The Invisible Weapon: Telecommunications And International Politics, 1851-1945

The Invisible Weapon: Telecommunications And International Politics, 1851-1945

A vital instrument of power, telecommunications is and has always been a political technology. In this book, Headrick examines the political history of telecommunications from the mid-nineteenth century to the end of World War II. He argues that this technology gave society new options. In times of peace, the telegraph and radio were, as many predicted, instruments of peace; in times of tension, they became instruments of politics, tools for rival interests, and weapons of war. Writing in a lively, accessible style, Headrick illuminates the political aspects of information technology, showing how in both World Wars, the use of radio led to a shadowy war of disinformation, cryptography, and communications intelligence, with decisive consequences.Review"A mine of useful information for communication researchers....The data presented here represent a major contribution to the field and will be of immense value to scholars interested in the historical linkages between mass media and communication technology."-- ournal of Communication"This is a well-balanced book that presents the growth of telecommunications techologies within a global context."--Journal of World History"Headrick's broad-ranging study of the connections between international communications and world politics from the rise of the submarine cable to the end of World War II makes a major contribution."--Journal of Interdisciplinary History"The value of Headrick's book to communication historians is primarily in its compilation of a wealth of examples and minute details about Western cable development and politics the world over....A good resource for anyone interested in the early global development of telecommunications."--Journalism History"WithThe Invisible Weapon Daniel Headrick puts the capstone on a decade of solid research centered on technology and global politics during the nineteenth and twentieth century....A work that furture historians will turn to repeatedly as the study of information and communications takes on increasing intellectual and social importance."--Business History Review"We should thank Daniel Headrick for working through, step by step, the impact of the plethora of technological changes that have radically transformed all aspects of international relations and diplomacy."--The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science"A fascinating study of the relationship between the ability to communicate and the balance of power....A rare and welcome contribution to the underdeveloped literature on technology and international relations."--Foreign Affairs"A fascinating study of the impact of one particular ingredi ent of the nineteenth century scientific and technological revolution which is still transforming our modern world."--European History Quarterly"Well worth reading."--Communications BooknotesFrom the Back CoverTelecommunications and International Politics 1851-1945.Headrick examines the political history of telecommunications from the mid-nineteenth century to the end of World War II, and illustrates how this technology gave nations a new instrument for international relations.About the AuthorDaniel R. Headrick is at Roosevelt University.