I think your point about hindsight bias is a good one. I think it is true of technological restraint in general: “Often, in cases where a state decided against pursuing a strategically pivotal technology for reasons of risk, or cost, or (moral or risk) concerns, this can be mis-interpreted as a case where the technology probably was never viable.”
I haven’t discounted protests which were small – GMO campaigns and SAI advocacy were both small scale. The fact that unsuccessful protests are more prolonged might make them more psychologically available: e.g. Just Stop Oil campaigns. I’m slightly unsure what your point is here?
I also agree that other examples of restraint are also relevant – particularly if public pressure was involved (like for Operation Popeye, and Boeing 2707).
Thank you!
I think your point about hindsight bias is a good one. I think it is true of technological restraint in general: “Often, in cases where a state decided against pursuing a strategically pivotal technology for reasons of risk, or cost, or (moral or risk) concerns, this can be mis-interpreted as a case where the technology probably was never viable.”
I haven’t discounted protests which were small – GMO campaigns and SAI advocacy were both small scale. The fact that unsuccessful protests are more prolonged might make them more psychologically available: e.g. Just Stop Oil campaigns. I’m slightly unsure what your point is here?
I also agree that other examples of restraint are also relevant – particularly if public pressure was involved (like for Operation Popeye, and Boeing 2707).