The Great American Gamble: Deterrence Theory and Practice from the Cold War to the Twenty-First Century

The Great American Gamble: Deterrence Theory and Practice from the Cold War to the Twenty-First Century (National Institute Press: Fairfax, VA, 2008). This book examines the past, present, and prospective future of U.S. deterrence theory, strategic forces, nuclear weapons and policy. Based on an extensive review of previously classified documents, it demonstrates how and why U.S. Government policies came to adhere to the guidelines established by the theory of deterrence popularly called the “balance of terror.” The key question now, is to what extent the basic tenets of this Cold War academic deterrence theory provide useful guidance to contemporary strategic policy. Hardback: $29.00/Softback: $19.00, available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble.