A balanced, but piercing analysis of the nuclear freeze movement, Garfinkle's book traces the origins and institutional development of the freeze movement as well as the sources of opposition to it, shedding new light on its intellectual and historical roots in contemporary American politics. From its inception in 1979, through the passage of the freeze resolution by the House of Representatives in 1983, to its role in 1984 presidential election politics, the story of the freeze is woven into a chronicle of US foreign and defense policy. The highly emotional character of the freeze movement, the religious and ethical dimensions of the current debate, and the mobilization of professional groups for and against the freeze are treated in depth. Readers across the political spectrum will find this volume an essential guide to one of the most controversial issues of our time.