A Shift of Western Mentalities: Thinking about War and the Nuclear Age

As Europe witnesses its first major war since World War II, this article examines whether contemporary thinking about war and warfare has fundamentally shifted from pre-nuclear times. The concept of "collective mentalities," stemming from the "cultural turn" in social sciences, is explored to understand how shared historical narratives and habitual ways of thinking influence national attitudes toward war and nuclear strategy. The article presents the distinct approaches of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the United States, highlighting how each nation's specific historical experiences have shaped their nuclear policies and public opinions. The study underscores that multiple interacting forces—economic conditions, political systems, cultural shifts, and especially the narratives of historical experiences—collectively influence attitudes toward war and nuclear weapons. Despite a general aversion to war in the West since 1945, national variations persist due to these distinct experiences and mentalities. The article concludes that understanding these collective mentalities is crucial for analyzing international relations and predicting future shifts in attitudes toward warfare and nuclear armament.