On the history of cryptography during WW2, and possible new directions for cryptographic research

Abstract

This paper will discuss the role of cryptography within a particular “world view”, with the aim of investigating the history and foundations of the subject. Particular emphasis will be placed of the role of cryptography in the German military failures of WW2, lessons t o be derived, and possible new directions for research (including extending the theory of cryptographic protocols to what I call “Abstract Protocol Theory”.) I hope that some of the readers will become interested in doing further research in the areas discussed.