A review by lexmechanic
The Doomsday Machine: Confessions of a Nuclear War Planner by Daniel Ellsberg
5.0
Nuclear weapons are important. They're the Sword of Damocles hanging over our civilization. Their utility and possible paths to disarmament can (and should) be debated. Meanwhile, everyone should The Doomsday Machine by Dan Ellsberd (of the Pentagon Papers fame). The book challenges and dismantles many crucial concepts the general public has about the safety, security and practicality of the largest nuclear arsenals.
In short, the current situation is just three steps away from ending humanity without any room for hope or survival. Even U.S. presidents have been either lied to or had key information withheld from them. There's shockingly little finesse in ANY application of nuclear weapons by the global superpowers. It means that if antything goes really wrong in international politics, things can get out of hand instantly.
The book is worth a read just to put some Hollywood myths to rest. There won't be any last-minute reprieves or self-destruct buttons.
In short, the current situation is just three steps away from ending humanity without any room for hope or survival. Even U.S. presidents have been either lied to or had key information withheld from them. There's shockingly little finesse in ANY application of nuclear weapons by the global superpowers. It means that if antything goes really wrong in international politics, things can get out of hand instantly.
The book is worth a read just to put some Hollywood myths to rest. There won't be any last-minute reprieves or self-destruct buttons.