On Escalation

Metaphors and Scenarios

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Technology, Military Science, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science
Cover of the book On Escalation by Herman Kahn, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Herman Kahn ISBN: 9781351502207
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: July 12, 2017
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Herman Kahn
ISBN: 9781351502207
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: July 12, 2017
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

In this widely discussed and influential book, Herman Kahn probes the dynamics of escalation and demonstrates how the intensification of conflict can be depicted by means of a definite escalation ladder, ascent of which brings opponents closer to all-out war. At each rung of the ladder, before the climb proceeds, decisions must be made based on numerous choices. Some are clear and obvious, others obscure, but the options are always there.

Thermonuclear annihilation, says Kahn, is unlikely to come through accident; but nations may elect to climb the ladder to extinction. The basic material for the book was developed in briefings delivered by Kahn to military and civilian experts and revised in the light of his findings of a trip to Vietnam in the 1960s. In On Escalation he states the facts squarely. He asks the reader to face unemotionally the terrors of a world fully capable of suicide and to consider carefully the alternatives to such a path.

In the never-never land of nuclear warfare, where nuclear incredulity is pervasive and paralyzing to the imagination even for the professional analyst, salient details of possible scenarios for the outbreak of war, and even more for war fighting, are largely unexplored or even unnoticed. For scenarios in which war is terminated, the issues and possibilities of which are almost completely unstudied, the situation is even worse. Kahn's discussion throws light on the terrain and gives the individual a sense of the range of possibilities and complexities involved and are useful.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In this widely discussed and influential book, Herman Kahn probes the dynamics of escalation and demonstrates how the intensification of conflict can be depicted by means of a definite escalation ladder, ascent of which brings opponents closer to all-out war. At each rung of the ladder, before the climb proceeds, decisions must be made based on numerous choices. Some are clear and obvious, others obscure, but the options are always there.

Thermonuclear annihilation, says Kahn, is unlikely to come through accident; but nations may elect to climb the ladder to extinction. The basic material for the book was developed in briefings delivered by Kahn to military and civilian experts and revised in the light of his findings of a trip to Vietnam in the 1960s. In On Escalation he states the facts squarely. He asks the reader to face unemotionally the terrors of a world fully capable of suicide and to consider carefully the alternatives to such a path.

In the never-never land of nuclear warfare, where nuclear incredulity is pervasive and paralyzing to the imagination even for the professional analyst, salient details of possible scenarios for the outbreak of war, and even more for war fighting, are largely unexplored or even unnoticed. For scenarios in which war is terminated, the issues and possibilities of which are almost completely unstudied, the situation is even worse. Kahn's discussion throws light on the terrain and gives the individual a sense of the range of possibilities and complexities involved and are useful.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Reason and Analysis by Herman Kahn
Cover of the book Cultural Encounters in Translated Children's Literature by Herman Kahn
Cover of the book Managing Electronic Media by Herman Kahn
Cover of the book Pastoralism and Common Pool Resources by Herman Kahn
Cover of the book Politics UK by Herman Kahn
Cover of the book Pan-Islam by Herman Kahn
Cover of the book Game Theory and Policy Making in Natural Resources and the Environment by Herman Kahn
Cover of the book Anti-genocide Activists and the Responsibility to Protect by Herman Kahn
Cover of the book Catherine the Great by Herman Kahn
Cover of the book Inner City Regeneration by Herman Kahn
Cover of the book The Politics of Nature by Herman Kahn
Cover of the book Routledge Handbook of Social and Cultural Theory by Herman Kahn
Cover of the book Lectures on Perception by Herman Kahn
Cover of the book Listening in Action by Herman Kahn
Cover of the book Improving Regulation by Herman Kahn
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy