Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Living with Peril: Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Nuclear Weapons

Product Description Living with Peril explains in detail how the Eisenhower and Kennedy administrations adapted to the reality of a Soviet nuclear force capable of destroying the United States and against which there was no effective defense. Wenger illuminates the development, implementation, and evolution of U.S. government policies designed to avoid war and to respond to the vulnerability of nuclear destruction. Drawing from a wealth of sources, Wenger provides an insightful and original perspective on the origins of cold war nuclear diplomacy. This is crucial reading for students and scholars of international relations, peace and conflict studies, and diplomatic history. Review During the presidential administrations of Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy the United States slipped from a position of massive nuclear superiority over the Soviet Union to one of perceived mutual vulnerability. Drawing extensively upon archival materials, Andreas Wenger, a leading young Swiss analyst of world politics, argues that these were the decisive years of the nuclear era, the years when the most--Nuclear Learning Wenger narrates a compelling account of the political and psycological forces that shaped the nuclear weapons strategies of Eisenhower and Kennedy. Wenger convincingly demonstrates that the level of destruction inherent in nuclear use created a gap between the theory and pratice of nuclear strategy. Wenger contributes a timely reminder of these realities and the continuing importance of the past for comtemporary nuclear debates.--Patricia Ownes "Cambridge Review of International Affairs " It is one of the many strengths of Wenger's exemplary and well-researched study to remind a new generation of IR students (whose indifference to history is wondrous to behold) of the complexity of a world that once was, but is no more.--Michael Cox, University of Wales, Aberystwyth "Political Studies Review " Historians and political scientists will find new insights into the debate surrounding the Cold War and American policy based on deterrence and change . . . a real tour de force.--Joseph Richard Goldman, University of Minnesota This is a meticulously researched and well-written analysis of a very important historical period, and of a very important set of issues involving nuclear history. It makes new contributions in many areas, and addresses several perennial questions and sheds much new light on them. . . . Highly recommended to historians of the nuclear age, and to students pursuing research topics in this area or time period. It provides all researchers a wealth of new information and quotes.--Niall Michelsen, Roosevelt University Thoroughly researched and well argued, this book makes a major contribution to the literature.--R. L. Wendzel, United States Air University Wenger's highly readable account comes as close as historians are likely to get to an authoritative retelling of a complex past.--Richard H. Ullman, Princeton University Meticulously documented and researched...Highly recommended for historian of the nuclear age and for students pursuing research topics in this area or time period.--Niall Michelsen "H-Pol, February 1998 " About the Author Andreas Wenger is deputy director of the Center for Security Studies and Conflict Research at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich.