Ron Hirschbein Knihy

Exploring the complex dynamics of nuclear strategy, Hirschbein critiques the prevailing belief that maintaining a balance of power can prevent nuclear war. He argues that this notion, rooted in historical assumptions, overlooks the dangerous implications of such thinking. By examining the metaphors that shape policy decisions regarding nuclear weapons, he reveals how these ancient and metaphorical concepts influence contemporary strategies and the nuclear subculture's understanding of conflict and crisis management.

The book delves into the significance of voting, arguing that its meaning is deeply contextual and historical. Ron Hirschbein contrasts the act of voting in small, ancient settings, like Athens, with modern mass voting in a consumer-driven society. He traces the evolution of voting from a genuine expression of political will to a perceived sacred right, ultimately critiquing its transformation into a mere ritual within contemporary culture. Through this analysis, the author highlights the complexities of enfranchisement and the implications of voter participation.

The book delves into the interpretive nature of crises, emphasizing that decision-makers act as interpreters of complex symbols rather than mere observers of threats. It employs a hermeneutic approach to analyze historical events involving Kennedy, Nixon, and Kissinger, questioning why certain crises, like the Cuban missile crisis, are remembered differently than others. The author argues that our understanding of crises is shaped by interpretation rather than the events themselves, highlighting the importance of humanistic inquiry in political analysis.

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 rational, bureaucratic imperatives designed to assure the continuity of the Nuclear Elite; and irrational, technological messianism informed by visions of an American millennium.