Danger and Survival: Choices About the Bomb in the First Fifty Years

by McGeorge Bundy

A key player in nuclear confrontations traces the influence of nuclear weapons on politics

Genres: History, Nonfiction

735 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of the most edifying 600 pages I've read - a very very deep dive into nuclear diplomacy - written in 1988 by a former National Security Advisor and Harvard Kennedy School Professor - it goes into enough depth to be a full semester's text book - but yet, remarkably understandable to a layman without much background in international diplomacy or nuclear science. Some will complain about how far Bundy will drill down into the decision making of every moment in nuclear history, but the subject warrants it.

It took me forever to finish it, but i feel much more educated today about nuclear politics. Still important and relevant today. Since this book was written, the public story of nuclear weapons has been about smaller (some would say "rogue") states trying to get or getting the bomb, but one forgets that little has changed between the original 6 countries who had the technology in the 60s and 70s, and so the lessons in this book are as relevant as ever. Did not feel dated one iota.

Especially ironic to be reading during the Ukraine crisis - which this book helped put in perspective even tho the author died decades ago.

[Marko Beljac · Rating 4 out of 5]

McGeorge - far the worse than that other Bundy - was an A class war criminal, and a liar. That said, this book is well worth reading for anybody interested in the role of nuclear weapons in international relations.

[noblethumos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danger and Survival: Choices About the Bomb in the First Fifty Years is a book written by McGeorge Bundy, a diplomat, policy analyst, and historian.

In the book, Bundy examines the history of the development and deployment of nuclear weapons, particularly during the first 50 years after their invention. He discusses the key events and decisions that shaped the course of the Cold War and the nuclear arms race, and the ways in which the threat of nuclear weapons influenced international relations and global politics.

Bundy also explores the ways in which leaders and policymakers have grappled with the complex moral and strategic issues surrounding the use of nuclear weapons, and the challenges and opportunities that the proliferation of nuclear weapons has presented. He discusses the role that international diplomacy and negotiations have played in managing the nuclear threat, and the importance of finding ways to reduce the risk of nuclear conflict.

Overall, Danger and Survival is a thought-provoking examination of the history and implications of nuclear weapons, and the choices that have been made about their use and proliferation. It is an important work for anyone interested in the history of the Cold War and the ongoing challenges of nuclear proliferation.

GPT