National Security and The Nuclear Dilemma: An Introduction to the American Experience in the Cold War

by Richard Smoke, Eric Mlyn

This definitive survey examines the impact of nuclear weaponry on national security issues. Written by an experienced author and founder of the Peace and Common Security Institute in Berkeley, California, this text describes how current nuclear dilemmas have developed out of past choices and events. The final chapter of this chronologically organized text covers events that took place from 1985-1991, making the material relevant to the post-Cold War era.

Genres: Political Science, Nonfiction

368 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1984

Reviews

[Richard Lim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrific and concise summary of the Cold War, specifically from the angle of nuclear strategy. The book is both highly dense and succinct. Thus, it is challenging at times and does not qualify as leisure reading. Either way, it is one of the most objective works I have ever read on the Cold War and covers, not only the evolution of nuclear arms and arms control diplomacy, but also the evolution of the intellectual debate underlying the Cold War. This book challenges the myth-making and varnishing that goes on both sides. One finds that the Cold War was not a simple matter of doves vs hawks. The contradictory logic of nuclear strategy meant that arms control specialists, at times, advocated large buildups. Other paradoxes like these came to define the Cold War and challenge simplistic notions of liberal vs conservative thought. Only in this setting could the ultimate hawk, Ronald Reagan, envision a largely-pacifist and semi-utopian vision of a world free of the threat of nuclear missiles. The book also covers highly technical matters, such as the various types of missile systems and strategic policies, complete with mind-numbing acronyms: ALCMs, CBMs, EMP, CDE, CSCE, etc. A student of the Cold War will find Mr. Smoke's research exhaustive. Sadly, Mr. Smoke reportedly committed suicide. With this book, he has made a lasting contribution to the literature and has provided young national security analysts with a valuable introduction to the complexities of the Cold War.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an old college text I had and I assume anyone today would want to read his third edition which goes through 1991. From what I've seen, the third edition adds a chapter or two, so my comments here are still valid for both books, I presume. I re-read the book because I wanted to re-fresh myself on the topic.

The books is great overview of the U.S. experience with nuclear strategy, weapons development, and history since 1945. It is an overview and he has to gloss over some items, but he does a good job of showing how technology changes affect war and the strategic balance. He also does a good job of explaining the development of deterrence theory from the 1940s onward. Certainly one should read his recommended reading to get a better sense of how this thinking developed.

The book is pretty balanced but you can get a sense he leans to the left or to the dovish side. But I think that's obvious enough and one can find sources to challenge some of this thoughts with in the recommended reading.

Overall a very good review of the topic that a lay person who is seriously interested in the topic should enjoy.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book so much when I was required to read it for a college course that I've re-read it since then. The subject of nuclear deterrence is so satisfyingly logical. It's not a page-turner and it is fairly academic, but it is a fascinating read.

[wally · Rating 2 out of 5]

it was okay