Abstract:

Nuclear inspection was the most controversial and discussed issue in the Eisenhower nuclear test ban talks. It was also the main obstacle and challenge in achieving a nuclear test ban agreement in this period. Although nuclear inspection was an essential element of a nuclear disarmament agreement, the Eisenhower Government combined the ban of nuclear test with the cold war against the Soviet Union. Thus, nuclear inspection was highly politicized and alienated as a means of opening the door of Soviet society and an excuse for the U.S. to continue nuclear test. It became an instrument for fulfilling its strategic military, political and diplomatic demands and an attractive grasp of the cold war. The Soviet Union also took the ban of nuclear test as a means of the cold war against the U. S., insisting that nuclear inspection was unnecessary despite of some flexibility. Because of the inability to find out common ground, the talks were often mired in mutual recriminations, leading to ongoing disruptions and to a final failure due to the U-2 aircraft incident.

Key words: Eisenhower, Khrushchev, nuclear test ban talks, nuclear inspection