Архітектор ядерної епохи: В.Черчилль та формування післявоєнного світового порядку (1930–1950 рр.)

The article analyzes Winston Churchill's role in shaping nuclear policy and the architecture of international relations in the post-war period. His foresight in predicting the impact of nuclear physics on society as early as the 1930s is established. The contribution of the British politician to the development of Anglo-American nuclear cooperation during World War II and his attempts to maintain access to nuclear technologies after its completion are examined. It is determined that his Fulton speech of 1946, which outlined the need to create a collective security system to protect the democratic world, became a catalyst for the formation of a bipolar system of international relations. It is established that, recognizing the critical importance of nuclear potential for maintaining great power status, Churchill during his last premiership (1951–1955) contributed to the successful completion of the British nuclear weapons program. The evolution of his views in the last years of his life from an advocate of nuclear deterrence to an active supporter of international dialogue on nuclear arms control is analyzed. It is determined that his concept of «balance of power based on possession of means of mutual destruction» remains relevant in the 21st century, especially in the context of new challenges related to the proliferation of nuclear weapons and technologies.