Reassessing Truman, the bomb, and revisionism: The burlesque frame and entelechy in the decision to use atomic weapons against Japan

Abstract

This essay uses a Burkean perspective to explore the ongoing debate over Truman's decision to use atomic weapons against Japan. Specifically, this critical nuclear analysis argues that a burlesque frame and entelechial forces pushed decision‐makers toward the tragedy of Hiroshima. This discussion takes issue with current revisionist discourse about the decision and shows how a rhetorical perspective can provide additional insight into the current debate.