Who is the author of 'Command and Control'?

The author of 'Command and Control' is Eric Schlosser.

What are the main themes in 'Command and Control'?

The main themes in 'Command and Control' include Human Rights, Global Conflict, Political History, Politics and Current Affairs.

What genre is 'Command and Control'?

'Command and Control' is categorized as Politics and Current Affairs.

What is the main subject of 'Command and Control' by Eric Schlosser?

The main subject of 'Command and Control' by Eric Schlosser is the history and dangers of nuclear weapons in the United States. The book explores the safety issues, accidents, and near-misses associated with the management of nuclear arsenals, focusing on the complexities and failures of the military and government in handling these powerful weapons.

What themes are explored in the book regarding nuclear weapons and safety?

'Command and Control' by Eric Schlosser explores several key themes regarding nuclear weapons and safety: Human Fallibility: The book emphasizes the dangers of relying on human judgment in high-stakes environments, particularly in relation to nuclear weapons management and control. Accidents and Near-Misses: Schlosser discusses the history of accidents involving nuclear weapons, highlighting how close the world has come to catastrophic events due to mishandling or technical failures. Complexity of Nuclear Systems: The intricate and often poorly understood systems surrounding nuclear arsenal management are examined, shedding light on how easily failures can occur. Military Bureaucracy: The author critiques the bureaucratic structures of the military that may prioritize protocol over safety, resulting in risky situations being overlooked. Ethics of Nuclear Deterrence: The moral implications of maintaining a nuclear arsenal and the ethics of deterrence are questioned, contemplating the consequences of their existence on global safety. Public Awareness vs. Government Secrecy: Schlosser highlights the gap between governmental control of nuclear information and public awareness, urging for greater transparency in discussions about nuclear safety.

Can you describe a key event that is highlighted in the book?

A key event highlighted in 'Command and Control' by Eric Schlosser is the 1980 Damascus Titan missile accident. This incident involved a maintenance crew working on a Titan II missile in Arkansas when a wrench accidentally fell into the missile silo, causing a fuel leak and prompting a critical situation. The event underscores the dangers and vulnerabilities associated with America's nuclear arsenal, illustrating how close the country came to a catastrophic nuclear disaster due to human error and the complexities of managing nuclear weapons.

How does the author convey the dangers of nuclear weapons in the context of government management?

In 'Command and Control', Eric Schlosser conveys the dangers of nuclear weapons through a detailed narrative that highlights historical incidents, technical failures, and human errors associated with the management of nuclear arsenals. He illustrates the complexities and often inadequate responses of government institutions in handling these weapons, emphasizing how bureaucratic complacency, miscommunication, and a lack of accountability can lead to catastrophic outcomes. By weaving together personal accounts, detailed research, and case studies of near-disasters, Schlosser paints a vivid picture of the risks posed not only by the weapons themselves but also by the systems and protocols designed to manage them, urging readers to reflect on the precarious nature of nuclear deterrence and the ongoing threat it represents.

What insights does Eric Schlosser provide about the history of American nuclear policies?

In 'Command and Control,' Eric Schlosser provides several insights into the history of American nuclear policies: Development and Escalation: Schlosser explores the rapid development of nuclear weapons in the United States, particularly during the Cold War, and how this led to an arms race with the Soviet Union. He discusses the strategic motivations behind these policies, including deterrence and the doctrine of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD). Safety Concerns: The book highlights numerous incidents and near-misses that occurred due to the management of nuclear arsenals, emphasizing concerns about safety and security. Schlosser describes how human error and technical failures raised questions about the reliability of nuclear command and control systems. Political and Military Dynamics: He examines the interplay between military generals and political leaders in shaping nuclear policy, illustrating how decisions have often been driven by a combination of fear, power dynamics, and the influence of military-industrial interests. Ethical Considerations: Schlosser also presents moral and ethical implications of nuclear weapons, discussing the moral dilemmas faced by leaders and society regarding the use and proliferation of these weapons. Long-term Consequences: The book reflects on the long-term impacts of nuclear policies on global security, non-proliferation efforts, and the challenges of disarmament in a world that still sees nuclear weapons as essential for national security.

Command and Control Book Summary

'Command and Control' by Eric Schlosser delves into the precarious world of nuclear weapons and the systems designed to manage them. Through gripping narratives, it reveals the chilling realities of close calls and human errors that could have led to catastrophic disasters. Schlosser uncovers the hidden stories of the military, scientists, and politicians involved in the nuclear arms race, sparking questions about human fallibility. This riveting exploration of power, fear, and responsibility challenges readers to consider the true cost of that power. Will we ever be able to control what we have created, or is the danger far too great?

By Eric Schlosser

Published: 2014

"The management of nuclear weapons is ultimately a story about human beings: our fears, our hopes, and the precarious balance between them."

The Oscar-shortlisted documentary Command and Control, directed by Robert Kenner, finds its origins in Eric Schlosser's book and continues to explore the little-known history of the management and safety concerns of America's nuclear aresenal. “A devastatingly lucid and detailed new history of nuclear weapons in the U.S. Fascinating.” —Lev Grossman, TIME Magazine “Perilous and gripping . . . Schlosser skillfully weaves together an engrossing account of both the science and the politics of nuclear weapons safety.” —San Francisco Chronicle A myth-shattering exposé of America’s nuclear weapons 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. While the harms of global warming increasingly dominate the news, the equally dangerous yet more immediate threat of nuclear weapons has been largely forgotten. Written with the vibrancy of a first-rate thriller, Command and Control interweaves the minute-by-minute story of an accident at a nuclear missile silo in rural Arkansas with a historical narrative that spans more than fifty years. It depicts the urgent effort by American scientists, policy makers, and military officers to ensure that nuclear weapons can’t be stolen, sabotaged, used without permission, or detonated inadvertently. Schlosser also looks at the Cold War from a new perspective, offering history from the ground up, telling the stories of bomber pilots, missile commanders, maintenance crews, and other ordinary servicemen who risked their lives to avert a nuclear holocaust. At the heart of the book lies the struggle, amid the rolling hills and small farms of Damascus, Arkansas, to prevent the explosion of a ballistic missile carrying the most powerful nuclear warhead ever built by the United States. Drawing on recently declassified documents and interviews with people who designed and routinely handled nuclear weapons, Command and Control takes readers into a terrifying but fascinating world that, until now, has been largely hidden from view. Through the details of a single accident, Schlosser illustrates how an unlikely event can become unavoidable, how small risks can have terrible consequences, and how the most brilliant minds in the nation can only provide us with an illusion of control. Audacious, gripping, and unforgettable, Command and Control is a tour de force of investigative journalism, an eye-opening look at the dangers of America’s nuclear age.

Eric Schlosser is an acclaimed American journalist and author, best known for his investigative works exploring the darker sides of American society. His notable books include "Fast Food Nation," which critiques the fast food industry and its impact on health and culture, and "Coalition of the Willing," which examines the complexities of the U.S. military and the politics of war. Schlosser's writing style combines thorough research with compelling storytelling, often weaving in personal narratives to highlight broader social issues. His work has earned him significant recognition, including a George Polk Award, and he continues to be a leading voice in discussions about food production, labor, and government accountability.

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