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Command and Control
656 pages, 2014
While the harms of global warming increasingly dominate the news, nuclear weapons have been forgotten. Famed investigative journalist Eric Schlosser digs deep to uncover secrets about the management of America’s nuclear arsenal.
A groundbreaking account of accidents, near misses, extraordinary heroism, and technological breakthroughs, Command and Control explores the dilemma that has existed since the dawn of the nuclear age: How do you deploy weapons of mass destruction without being destroyed by them?
That question has never been resolved—and Schlosser reveals how the combination of human fallibility and technological complexity still poses a grave risk to mankind.
In Command and Control, Eric Schlosser takes us on a journey through the history of nuclear weapons. He shows us how these weapons, while powerful, are also incredibly dangerous. Even with the best safety measures in place, accidents can still happen, leading to catastrophic consequences.
Schlosser digs into the intricate systems put in place to ensure the safety of nuclear weapons. He reveals that these systems are far from foolproof, and that even the smallest error can lead to disaster. This book will make you see the complexity and fragility of nuclear safety in a new light.
One of the key points in Command and Control is the human factor. Schlosser explores how human error, misjudgment, and even simple bad luck have led to near-disasters in the past. It's a sobering reminder that even with the most advanced technology, human error can still lead to catastrophe.
Schlosser also takes a look at the politics surrounding nuclear weapons. He shows how decisions about these weapons are often made by a small group of people, and how these decisions can have far-reaching consequences. It's a fascinating look into the world of nuclear politics.
Finally, Command and Control emphasizes the importance of transparency when it comes to nuclear weapons. Schlosser argues that the public has a right to know about the dangers and risks associated with these weapons. This book will make you think about the need for transparency and accountability in this area.
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Command and Control is a chilling, heart-pounding journey into the past, exploring the risks of nuclear weapons. It's a fascinating history that feels all too relevant today.
Bill Gates - Microsoft Co-founderCommand and Control is how nonfiction should be written.
The New York Times - American NewspaperCommand and Control is a work of journalistic art, a book that grapples with a vast amount of complex data and condenses it into a suspenseful narrative.
The Guardian - British NewspaperCommand and Control is a masterpiece of investigative reportage, and a book that forces you to question the aspects of nuclear deterrence that we take for granted.
The Washington Post - American NewspaperCommand and Control is a riveting read, full of startling revelations and collection of nuclear near misses.
The Economist - International Newspaper