The author contends that the men who possess the newest weapons are possessed by the oldest psychology - group psychology. This ancient, irresistible force shapes and colors American strategy. However the strategic decision-makers' collective mentality cannot be reduced to a seamless whole because it is the product of opposing forces: rational, bureaucratic imperatives designed to assure the continuity of the Nuclear Elite; and irrational, technological messianism informed by visions of an American millennium.
"An innovative, imaginative diagnosis and critique of the nuclear fraternity - as though seen from afar by an anthropologist. The analysis of cultism sheds fresh light on one of the spearhead groups of the arms race." (Seymour Melman, Co-Director of SANE, commentator on the political economy of the defense establishment)
"I think Hirschbein is on to something extremely important here. The group-dynamics of the nuclear weapons establishment have never been seriously investigated, to my knowledge. Understanding this dimension will be essential if we are to ever come to grips with the enormous problems posed by the nuclear crisis. I think Hirschbein's grasp of the material is impressive, his argument is strong and lucid, his conclusions are compelling,... and it will be a basic contribution to our knowledge." (Joel Kovel, Psychiatrist, commentator on nuclear affairs)
"...a well-documented psycho-history of the U.S. nuclear elite. ...this book will be helpful in informing thosemillions (of concerned men and women) how our nuclear policies evolved to their present state. Further, it will offer at least some hope that taking incremental steps towards abolishing nuclear weaponsmay keep us from destroying ourselves. Clarity as to the evolution and nature of our nuclear nightmare is the first part of the journey. This book is a good first step." (David E. Johnson, Concerned Philosophers for Peace Newsletter)
"I think Hirschbein is on to something extremely important here. The group-dynamics of the nuclear weapons establishment have never been seriously investigated, to my knowledge. Understanding this dimension will be essential if we are to ever come to grips with the enormous problems posed by the nuclear crisis. I think Hirschbein's grasp of the material is impressive, his argument is strong and lucid, his conclusions are compelling,... and it will be a basic contribution to our knowledge." (Joel Kovel, Psychiatrist, commentator on nuclear affairs)
"...a well-documented psycho-history of the U.S. nuclear elite. ...this book will be helpful in informing thosemillions (of concerned men and women) how our nuclear policies evolved to their present state. Further, it will offer at least some hope that taking incremental steps towards abolishing nuclear weaponsmay keep us from destroying ourselves. Clarity as to the evolution and nature of our nuclear nightmare is the first part of the journey. This book is a good first step." (David E. Johnson, Concerned Philosophers for Peace Newsletter)