Escalation and the Nuclear Option

by Bernard Brodie

This work stresses the importance, in making any choice of strategies-including the decision to use or refrain from using nuclear weapons-of gauging the intent behind the opponent's military moves. Dr. Brodie also suggests that the use or threat of use of tactical nuclear weapons may lead to de-escalation, that is, may check rather than promote the expansion of hostilities. The author applies his ideas about escalation to several imagined situations, examining them in relation to experiences in Europe, in the second Cuba crisis, and in Asia.



Originally published in 1966.

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151 pages, Hardcover

First published October 21, 1966

About the author

Bernard Brodie was an American military strategist well known for establishing the basics of nuclear strategy. Known as "the American Clausewitz," and "the original nuclear strategist," he was an initial architect of nuclear deterrence strategy and tried to ascertain the role and value of nuclear weapons after their creation.

Reviews

[Liquidlasagna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This work stresses the importance, in making any choice of strategies - including the decision to use or refrain from using nuclear weapons - of gauging the intent behind the opponent's military moves.

Dr. Brodie also suggests that the use or threat of use of tactical nuclear weapons may lead to de-escalation, that is, may check rather than promote the expansion of hostilities.

The author applies his ideas about escalation to several imagined situations, examining them in relation to experiences in Europe, in the second Cuba crisis, and in Asia.

........

someone needs to put the odd orange, white and black cover up!