Book Analysis: The Absolute Weapon: Atomic Power and World Order

Abstract

Bernard Brodie is one of the leading theorists from the 'golden age' of nuclear strategy. His farsighted theories stated in The Absolute Weapon: Atomic Power and World Order,' are as fresh today as when he wrote and edited the book in 1945. This paper scrutinizes four of the book's theories in relation to the historical record to confirm whether they continue to have merit as a guide for US nuclear policy. First, he clearly understood the need for a nuclear retaliatory force. Second, he believed low-intensity conflict forces would be required. Third, Brodie thought the superpowers could negotiate arms reductions but believed an arms race was just as likely. Fourth, he did not believe the Soviets would ever launch a surprise attack against the US.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1988
Accession Number
ADA192999

Entities

People

  • Mark A. Homrig

Organizations

  • Air Command and Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Arms Control
  • California
  • Fusion Weapons
  • Governments
  • Instructors
  • Intergovernmental Organizations
  • International Organizations
  • International Relations
  • Military Organizations
  • Nuclear Bombs
  • Nuclear Warfare
  • Nuclear Weapons
  • Treaties
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Strategic Security Studies