A review of the book 'Nuclear War: A Scenario' written by Annie Jacobsen.
Nuclear war begins with a blip on a radar screen.
This is a minute-by-minute account of what comes next.
It has to be read to be believed.
Nuclear War written by Annie Jacobsen is at once a compulsive non-fiction thriller and a powerful argument that we must rid ourselves of these world-ending weapons for ever.
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Coming up: A review of the book 'Nuclear War: A Scenario' written by Annie Jacobsen.
Namaste Friends. My name is 'Shinil Subramanian Payamal' and you are listening to the Historylogy podcast.
Before I proceed, a full disclosure: This book was bought with my own money and not been provided to me by the author or publisher.
Little bit about the author:
Annie Jacobsen is a 2016 Pulitzer Prize finalist and the New York Times bestselling author of Area 51, Operation Paperclip, Surprise, Kill, Vanish and other books. Her books have been translated into twelve languages. She also writes and produces TV, including Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan. A graduate of Princeton University, she lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two sons.
Let me read a brief description of the book:
Nuclear war begins with a blip on a radar screen.
This is a minute-by-minute account of what comes next.
It has to be read to be believed.
The first rule of nuclear war is that there are no rules.
Until now, no one outside official circles has known exactly what would happen if a rogue state launched a nuclear missile at the Pentagon. Second by second and minute by minute, these are the real-life protocols that choreograph the end of civilization as we know it.
If a single nuclear missile is launched, It could provoke dozens in return. Frantic calls over secure lines work to confirm the worst as armoured helicopters are scrambled outside.
Decisions that affect hundreds of millions of lives need to be made within six minutes, based on partial information, in the knowledge that once launched, nothing is capable of halting the destruction.
Because the plans for General Nuclear War are among the most classified secrets held by the United States government, this book takes the reader up to the razor’s edge of what can legally be known. Based on dozens of new interviews with military and civilian experts who have built the weapons, been privy to the response plans, and taken responsibility for crucial decisions, this is the only account of what a nuclear exchange would look like.
Nuclear War is at once a compulsive non-fiction thriller and a powerful argument that we must rid ourselves of these world-ending weapons for ever.
This book is a gripping and meticulously researched exploration of one of the most harrowing topics in modern history: the potential for nuclear conflict. Known for her investigative prowess, Jacobsen dives deep into the complexities and intricacies of nuclear warfare, crafting a narrative that is both chilling and enlightening.
The book stands out for its thorough examination of historical events, current geopolitical tensions, and the underlying technical aspects of nuclear weapons. Jacobsen’s writing is accessible, yet she does not shy away from the complexities of the subject matter. Her ability to distill intricate details into a narrative that is both engaging and informative is one of the book’s greatest strengths.
One of the book’s most compelling aspects is its examination of the human and psychological dimensions of nuclear war. Jacobsen delves into the fears, motivations, and decision-making processes of key figures in the nuclear landscape, providing a nuanced view of how individuals and leaders might react in the face of such an existential threat. This human element adds depth to the narrative, making the scenarios more relatable and poignant.
The book also addresses the geopolitical landscape with a critical eye, highlighting the roles of various nations and the shifting alliances that could impact the likelihood of nuclear war. Jacobsen’s analysis of current international relations and the strategic posturing of nuclear powers is insightful and thought-provoking, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of the stakes involved.
“No one—not even the President—has complete knowledge of what is going on in a crisis zone or in a conflict,” let alone in a nuclear war, says Jon Wolfsthal, a former national security adviser to President Obama.
“Many presidents come to the office uninformed about their role in a nuclear war,” former secretary of defense William Perry explains. “Some seem not to want to know.”
And the way things stand, it seems like this scenario is unlikely to change even after the Presidential elections of 2024, irrespective of who wins. That in itself is such a scary scenario.
In summary, "Nuclear War: A Scenario" is a powerful and informative exploration of nuclear conflict, crafted with Annie Jacobsen’s signature blend of investigative journalism and narrative skill. It provides a sobering look at the potential for nuclear war while offering valuable insights into the complexities of international relations and the human psyche. For readers interested in understanding the gravity of nuclear threats and the multifaceted nature of global security, Jacobsen’s book is an essential and thought-provoking read.
I give this book 4.5/5.
Would like to end with two quotes.
First, in the words of Nikita Khrushchev, “The survivors will envy the dead.” This line is repeated more than one time in the book.
Second. In the dawn of the nuclear age, Albert Einstein was asked what he thought about nuclear war, to which he is said to have responded, “I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.”
With time, after a nuclear war, all present-day knowledge will be gone. Including knowledge that the enemy was not North Korea, Russia, America, China, Iran, or anyone else vilified as a nation or a group.
It was the nuclear weapons that were the enemy of us all. All along.
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