Essence of Decision

A classic volume on decisionmaking, analyzing the defining moment in the nuclear age and influencing generations of students, scholars, and policymakers.

The best single volume analyzing the defining moment in the nuclear age, the original edition of Essence of Decision is a classic work that has influenced generations of students, scholars, and policy makers. The fully revised second edition of this best-selling text includes comprehensive synthesis of all new evidence—including declassified Kennedy tapes and Soviet files. Not only revised, but completely rewritten, the new edition provides deeper and clearer answers to an enduring question: how should citizens understand the actions of their governments and political leaders?