Crisis, Stability and Nuclear War - Tapa dura

This study describes a series of hypothetical events that might be set in motion by a crisis amongst the superpowers, which might then carry the world into nuclear war. Written by a group of prominent strategic analysts, scientists and military officers who have held high-level nuclear commands, it examines the extent to which the command organization of the superpowers would then be capable of maintaining control over such a chain of events. In assessing the risks of nuclear war both the general public and national governments have largely focused on the shape and size of nuclear arsenals. The authors argue that this emphasis is misplaced, and that the ability of command organizations to perform their complex tasks while under stress in a rapidly shifting scene, and even in the face of direct attack, is of paramount importance.