John William Sutcliffe IV, Ph.D.
@nuclearhistory.bsky.social
Historian of France's military nuclear ambitions (1945-1958) and US nuclear weapons testing. The views expressed are my own and do not reflect the official policy or position of the US Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the US Government.
Pinned
139th Annual Meeting (January 8-11, 2026): New Perspectives on the Dissemination of Nuclear Knowledge, 1949–84
aha.confex.com
Have you ever wondered how state control over nuclear information shapes public perceptions? Please join us at #AHA26 as Vincent Intondi, Nic Lewis, Alex Levy, and I offer new perspectives on the dissemination of nuclear knowledge during the Cold War! #nukesky aha.confex.com/aha/2026/web...
Reposted by John William Sutcliffe IV, Ph.D.
At this moment in 1952 (7:14:59 AM November 1, local time), the United States tested the first true (albeit undeliverable, weighing a massive 82 tons) hydrogen bomb at Enewetak Atoll. The 10.4-Megaton MIKE explosion vaporized Elugelab Island, leaving behind a crater 1.2 miles wide and 164 feet deep.
Ivy Mike Countdown and detonation
YouTube video by atomcentral
www.youtube.com
October 31, 2025 at 7:14 PM
At this moment in 1952 (7:14:59 AM November 1, local time), the United States tested the first true (albeit undeliverable, weighing a massive 82 tons) hydrogen bomb at Enewetak Atoll. The 10.4-Megaton MIKE explosion vaporized Elugelab Island, leaving behind a crater 1.2 miles wide and 164 feet deep.
Reposted by John William Sutcliffe IV, Ph.D.
Where I try to explain why France is not going through an ordinary political crisis but that the Fifth Republic is a regime in crisis.
🇫🇷 #france #politics
👇 👇 👇
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
@uni-of-warwick.bsky.social
🇫🇷 #france #politics
👇 👇 👇
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
@uni-of-warwick.bsky.social
France's political upheaval isn't temporary - it's a profound constitutional crisis | Pierre Purseigle
The old prime minister is back with a new team, but it can’t last: a democracy can’t have a president with the powers of a king, says French historian Pierre Purseigle
www.theguardian.com
October 14, 2025 at 7:51 AM
Where I try to explain why France is not going through an ordinary political crisis but that the Fifth Republic is a regime in crisis.
🇫🇷 #france #politics
👇 👇 👇
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
@uni-of-warwick.bsky.social
🇫🇷 #france #politics
👇 👇 👇
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
@uni-of-warwick.bsky.social
Reposted by John William Sutcliffe IV, Ph.D.
Wild illustration choice in this slide from training materials for ICBM launch officers, ca. 2010
October 1, 2025 at 2:14 PM
Wild illustration choice in this slide from training materials for ICBM launch officers, ca. 2010
Have you ever wondered how state control over nuclear information shapes public perceptions? Please join us at #AHA26 as Vincent Intondi, Nic Lewis, Alex Levy, and I offer new perspectives on the dissemination of nuclear knowledge during the Cold War! #nukesky aha.confex.com/aha/2026/web...
139th Annual Meeting (January 8-11, 2026): New Perspectives on the Dissemination of Nuclear Knowledge, 1949–84
aha.confex.com
October 5, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Have you ever wondered how state control over nuclear information shapes public perceptions? Please join us at #AHA26 as Vincent Intondi, Nic Lewis, Alex Levy, and I offer new perspectives on the dissemination of nuclear knowledge during the Cold War! #nukesky aha.confex.com/aha/2026/web...
As consequential as Macron's overtures may eventually turn out to be, for now the broad brush strokes are in keeping with decades of French policy on Europe and nuclear deterrence. Their significance lies more in the strategic context than in any real policy shift. www.france24.com/fr/france/20...
Après le revirement américain, Macron relance le débat sur un parapluie nucléaire européen
Le président français Emmanuel Macron a relancé, samedi, le débat sur un parapluie nucléaire européen, se disant prêt à "ouvrir la discussion" afin de compenser un éventuel désengagement américain.
www.france24.com
March 5, 2025 at 3:51 AM
As consequential as Macron's overtures may eventually turn out to be, for now the broad brush strokes are in keeping with decades of French policy on Europe and nuclear deterrence. Their significance lies more in the strategic context than in any real policy shift. www.france24.com/fr/france/20...
Reposted by John William Sutcliffe IV, Ph.D.
Without the USA as a steadfast ally, European nations are rethinking their security strategies, which bencenemeth.bsky.social of @dsdkings.bsky.social says offers opportunities as well as challenges.
▶️ www.kcl.ac.uk/a-new-geopol...
Also see his previous article on defending NATO without the US 🔽
▶️ www.kcl.ac.uk/a-new-geopol...
Also see his previous article on defending NATO without the US 🔽
March 4, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Without the USA as a steadfast ally, European nations are rethinking their security strategies, which bencenemeth.bsky.social of @dsdkings.bsky.social says offers opportunities as well as challenges.
▶️ www.kcl.ac.uk/a-new-geopol...
Also see his previous article on defending NATO without the US 🔽
▶️ www.kcl.ac.uk/a-new-geopol...
Also see his previous article on defending NATO without the US 🔽
Reposted by John William Sutcliffe IV, Ph.D.
“While meeting defense investment targets by more NATO allies signals political commitment, it does not guarantee enhanced preparedness for deterring Russia or addressing other threats.” www.rand.org/pubs/comment...
Time to Reassess the Costs of Euro-Atlantic Security
Increased defense spending in Europe is crucial to deter threats from Russia and China. It is essential to understand and quantify the rising costs of Euro-Atlantic security to determine how allies ca...
www.rand.org
March 1, 2025 at 8:01 PM
“While meeting defense investment targets by more NATO allies signals political commitment, it does not guarantee enhanced preparedness for deterring Russia or addressing other threats.” www.rand.org/pubs/comment...
Reposted by John William Sutcliffe IV, Ph.D.
#BOOKGIVEAWAY Follow @coldwarpod.bsky.social then reshare this post to enter a chance to win a copy of this book.
T&C's here coldwarconversations.com/giveaway/
@fleetstreetfox.bsky.social #nuclearveterans #nucleartests #coldwar @cnduk.bsky.social
T&C's here coldwarconversations.com/giveaway/
@fleetstreetfox.bsky.social #nuclearveterans #nucleartests #coldwar @cnduk.bsky.social
March 1, 2025 at 8:04 PM
#BOOKGIVEAWAY Follow @coldwarpod.bsky.social then reshare this post to enter a chance to win a copy of this book.
T&C's here coldwarconversations.com/giveaway/
@fleetstreetfox.bsky.social #nuclearveterans #nucleartests #coldwar @cnduk.bsky.social
T&C's here coldwarconversations.com/giveaway/
@fleetstreetfox.bsky.social #nuclearveterans #nucleartests #coldwar @cnduk.bsky.social
Reposted by John William Sutcliffe IV, Ph.D.
NEW EPISODE - The #Secret #History of #Britain's #ColdWar #Nuclear #Experiments with @fleetstreetfox.bsky.social
Listen here 🎧 coldwarconversations.com/episode390/
@nuclearhistory.bsky.social @atomiclabrats.bsky.social @nuclearanthro.bsky.social @nuclearwar.bsky.social #skystorian
Listen here 🎧 coldwarconversations.com/episode390/
@nuclearhistory.bsky.social @atomiclabrats.bsky.social @nuclearanthro.bsky.social @nuclearwar.bsky.social #skystorian
March 1, 2025 at 9:04 AM
Reposted by John William Sutcliffe IV, Ph.D.
This recent article, coauthored by SSP Military Fellow Lt. Col. Ryan Fitzgerald and Harvard National Defense Fellow Kira Coffey, offers counterfactual historical analysis to examine what if Taiwan was permitted to build a successful nuclear weapons program.
globalsecurityreview.com/taiwans-nucl...
globalsecurityreview.com/taiwans-nucl...
Taiwan’s Nuclear What-If: Implications for U.S. Strategy and Global Security — Global Security Review
Strategic Adversaries Deterrence
globalsecurityreview.com
February 27, 2025 at 5:13 PM
This recent article, coauthored by SSP Military Fellow Lt. Col. Ryan Fitzgerald and Harvard National Defense Fellow Kira Coffey, offers counterfactual historical analysis to examine what if Taiwan was permitted to build a successful nuclear weapons program.
globalsecurityreview.com/taiwans-nucl...
globalsecurityreview.com/taiwans-nucl...
Reposted by John William Sutcliffe IV, Ph.D.
Peter Watkins: "if the harsh reality is that extended nuclear deterrence by French & British forces is the only realistic alternative to the US ...umbrella, then steps to improve their effectiveness through further mutual support ...wd be worth pursuing" www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/r...
February 26, 2025 at 10:42 AM
Peter Watkins: "if the harsh reality is that extended nuclear deterrence by French & British forces is the only realistic alternative to the US ...umbrella, then steps to improve their effectiveness through further mutual support ...wd be worth pursuing" www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/r...
Reposted by John William Sutcliffe IV, Ph.D.
I wrote the latest—post-Merz— version of the “can Europe defend itself without America” piece, with reflections on military capability, money, enablers & nuclear weapons. An enduring topic, but with a new sense of urgency & relevance after the past weeks. www.economist.com/internationa...
Can Europe confront Vladimir Putin’s Russia on its own?
An independent army, air force and nuclear bomb would come at a high price
www.economist.com
February 25, 2025 at 8:33 PM
I wrote the latest—post-Merz— version of the “can Europe defend itself without America” piece, with reflections on military capability, money, enablers & nuclear weapons. An enduring topic, but with a new sense of urgency & relevance after the past weeks. www.economist.com/internationa...
Reposted by John William Sutcliffe IV, Ph.D.
#NEW from Vol. 7 of the PONI Nuclear Scholars Journal!
👤from Ashley Wiser at ANSER
"On the Eve of a World Without New START Or: How There’s Still No Such Thing as a ‘Nonstrategic’ Nuclear Weapon"
Read more here: www.csis.org/analysis/hor...
👤from Ashley Wiser at ANSER
"On the Eve of a World Without New START Or: How There’s Still No Such Thing as a ‘Nonstrategic’ Nuclear Weapon"
Read more here: www.csis.org/analysis/hor...
February 24, 2025 at 8:26 PM
#NEW from Vol. 7 of the PONI Nuclear Scholars Journal!
👤from Ashley Wiser at ANSER
"On the Eve of a World Without New START Or: How There’s Still No Such Thing as a ‘Nonstrategic’ Nuclear Weapon"
Read more here: www.csis.org/analysis/hor...
👤from Ashley Wiser at ANSER
"On the Eve of a World Without New START Or: How There’s Still No Such Thing as a ‘Nonstrategic’ Nuclear Weapon"
Read more here: www.csis.org/analysis/hor...
Reposted by John William Sutcliffe IV, Ph.D.
"The humanities may be as necessary, or as dangerous, as any other set of disciplines. They do, however, offer at least a means and a store of evidence for diagnosing our present discontents."
@kfullagar.bsky.social, Vice-President of the @austhistassoc.bsky.social.
@kfullagar.bsky.social, Vice-President of the @austhistassoc.bsky.social.
A little weekend reading to inspire you: here's AHA VP Kate Fullagar (@kfullagar.bsky.social) in Inside Story, reviewing Martha Nussbaum's new book and, in doing so, reminding us all of the importance (and power!) of the humanities.
Why the humanities are worth fighting for • Kate Fullagar
Philosopher Martha Nussbaum hasn’t quite nailed the problem, or the possible solutions
buff.ly
February 21, 2025 at 7:13 AM
"The humanities may be as necessary, or as dangerous, as any other set of disciplines. They do, however, offer at least a means and a store of evidence for diagnosing our present discontents."
@kfullagar.bsky.social, Vice-President of the @austhistassoc.bsky.social.
@kfullagar.bsky.social, Vice-President of the @austhistassoc.bsky.social.
Reposted by John William Sutcliffe IV, Ph.D.
Historians Politely Remind Nation To Check What's Happened In Past Before Making Any Big Decisions
theonion.com/historians-p...
theonion.com/historians-p...
February 18, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Historians Politely Remind Nation To Check What's Happened In Past Before Making Any Big Decisions
theonion.com/historians-p...
theonion.com/historians-p...
Reposted by John William Sutcliffe IV, Ph.D.
Europe is now staring at the beginning of a new post-American age. The policy collisions to come will be transformative for transatlantic relations and will reshape the transatlantic alliance.
Read more from @erep.csis.org: www.csis.org/analysis/tra...
Read more from @erep.csis.org: www.csis.org/analysis/tra...
The Transatlantic Alliance in the Age of Trump: The Coming Collisions
Europe is now staring at the beginning of a new post-American age. The policy collisions to come will be transformative for transatlantic relations and will reshape the transatlantic alliance.
www.csis.org
February 14, 2025 at 10:35 PM
Europe is now staring at the beginning of a new post-American age. The policy collisions to come will be transformative for transatlantic relations and will reshape the transatlantic alliance.
Read more from @erep.csis.org: www.csis.org/analysis/tra...
Read more from @erep.csis.org: www.csis.org/analysis/tra...
To be fair, it's easy to look this thoughtful on Valentine's Day when you have the entire White House staff at your disposal.
February 14, 2025 at 10:26 PM
To be fair, it's easy to look this thoughtful on Valentine's Day when you have the entire White House staff at your disposal.
Reposted by John William Sutcliffe IV, Ph.D.
What is "Iron Dome for America" anyways?! Join me w Tom Karako and Kari Bingen Tues 11 Feb for a conversation about the implications of the Iron Dome Exec Order and how it fits with defense and deterrence priorities. @poni.csis.org @csis.org
www.csis.org/events/what-...
www.csis.org/events/what-...
What is the "Iron Dome for America"? | CSIS Events
CSIS Defense and Security Department Senior Fellows Tom Karako, Heather Williams, and Kari Bingen discuss the implications of the "Iron Dome for America" executive order for the strategic force.
www.csis.org
February 10, 2025 at 3:42 PM
What is "Iron Dome for America" anyways?! Join me w Tom Karako and Kari Bingen Tues 11 Feb for a conversation about the implications of the Iron Dome Exec Order and how it fits with defense and deterrence priorities. @poni.csis.org @csis.org
www.csis.org/events/what-...
www.csis.org/events/what-...
Thank you to @poni.csis.org and @mattkorda.bsky.social for the opportunity to speak at PONI's 2025 Winter Conference earlier today. It was a pleasure exchanging views on interallied perspectives with our panel of nuclear scholars. #nukesky
February 11, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Thank you to @poni.csis.org and @mattkorda.bsky.social for the opportunity to speak at PONI's 2025 Winter Conference earlier today. It was a pleasure exchanging views on interallied perspectives with our panel of nuclear scholars. #nukesky
Reposted by John William Sutcliffe IV, Ph.D.
#NEW from Vol. 7 of the PONI Nuclear Scholars Journal!
👤from Samuele Polsinelli, submarine officer within the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
"Chinese Coercion: A Nuclear Angle"
Read more here: www.csis.org/analysis/hor...
👤from Samuele Polsinelli, submarine officer within the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
"Chinese Coercion: A Nuclear Angle"
Read more here: www.csis.org/analysis/hor...
February 11, 2025 at 5:19 PM
#NEW from Vol. 7 of the PONI Nuclear Scholars Journal!
👤from Samuele Polsinelli, submarine officer within the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
"Chinese Coercion: A Nuclear Angle"
Read more here: www.csis.org/analysis/hor...
👤from Samuele Polsinelli, submarine officer within the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
"Chinese Coercion: A Nuclear Angle"
Read more here: www.csis.org/analysis/hor...
Reposted by John William Sutcliffe IV, Ph.D.
Interested in gaining research experience at the Library?
Our PhD placement scheme for 2025 is now open, offering doctoral researchers the chance to develop skills and expertise outside the university sector.
View the full list of projects and apply by 21 February: bit.ly/BLPhD2025
Our PhD placement scheme for 2025 is now open, offering doctoral researchers the chance to develop skills and expertise outside the university sector.
View the full list of projects and apply by 21 February: bit.ly/BLPhD2025
February 11, 2025 at 11:09 AM
Interested in gaining research experience at the Library?
Our PhD placement scheme for 2025 is now open, offering doctoral researchers the chance to develop skills and expertise outside the university sector.
View the full list of projects and apply by 21 February: bit.ly/BLPhD2025
Our PhD placement scheme for 2025 is now open, offering doctoral researchers the chance to develop skills and expertise outside the university sector.
View the full list of projects and apply by 21 February: bit.ly/BLPhD2025
Reposted by John William Sutcliffe IV, Ph.D.
In 1940, a book titled "Why Smash Atoms?" was published which argued in favor of apparently useless subatomic research. In a 1946 reprint, a photo of a mushroom cloud was added to before the title page — a striking answer to the question, if a different one from what the author originally intended.
February 9, 2025 at 8:19 PM
In 1940, a book titled "Why Smash Atoms?" was published which argued in favor of apparently useless subatomic research. In a 1946 reprint, a photo of a mushroom cloud was added to before the title page — a striking answer to the question, if a different one from what the author originally intended.
Reposted by John William Sutcliffe IV, Ph.D.
An incredible NUCLEAR-POWERED FLIGHT film is newly available online! This declassified film shows 30 minutes of detail from the major reactor development program at its peak, between 1956-1958.
Thanks to Nuclear Talent Scout for sponsoring the scan.
whatisnuclear.com/news/2025-02...
Thanks to Nuclear Talent Scout for sponsoring the scan.
whatisnuclear.com/news/2025-02...
Aircraft Nuclear Propulsion: Manned Aircraft Progress Report — A declassified film about nuclear powered flight from 1961
This film presents the US effort to build a nuclear-powered long-range bomber. The program history and evolution is discussed, from the 1955 weapons system 125A to the 1956 re-evaluation and CAMAL con...
whatisnuclear.com
February 3, 2025 at 1:03 PM
An incredible NUCLEAR-POWERED FLIGHT film is newly available online! This declassified film shows 30 minutes of detail from the major reactor development program at its peak, between 1956-1958.
Thanks to Nuclear Talent Scout for sponsoring the scan.
whatisnuclear.com/news/2025-02...
Thanks to Nuclear Talent Scout for sponsoring the scan.
whatisnuclear.com/news/2025-02...
Reposted by John William Sutcliffe IV, Ph.D.
Come hang out with us on 11 Feb to talk about alliances, with a keynote from @acwlapsley.bsky.social NATO Asst SecGen on Defense Planning.
🤔Do you have questions about the future of U.S. Alliances and Partnerships?
Submit a question for the Q&A session of our upcoming virtual Winter Conference on 📆 February 11, 10am-4pm ET!
forms.office.com/r/J9EvfySSyt
Submit a question for the Q&A session of our upcoming virtual Winter Conference on 📆 February 11, 10am-4pm ET!
forms.office.com/r/J9EvfySSyt
Microsoft Forms
forms.office.com
February 4, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Come hang out with us on 11 Feb to talk about alliances, with a keynote from @acwlapsley.bsky.social NATO Asst SecGen on Defense Planning.
Reposted by John William Sutcliffe IV, Ph.D.
A post of appreciation for @lportwoodstacer.bsky.social. It doesn't matter if it's your 1st, 2nd, or 3rd book proposal, you will benefit from reading her book! In addition to being an author of a helpful book, Laura always contributes to the community. Follow her to hear about opportunities.
February 6, 2025 at 12:54 AM
A post of appreciation for @lportwoodstacer.bsky.social. It doesn't matter if it's your 1st, 2nd, or 3rd book proposal, you will benefit from reading her book! In addition to being an author of a helpful book, Laura always contributes to the community. Follow her to hear about opportunities.