War and Peace in the Nuclear Age

A companion volume to a forthcoming PBS-TV series, this comprehensive review of the nuclear age chronicles the effect of nuclear weapons on relations between allies and potential adversaries. Focusing largely on the American presidency, the author argues that Eisenhower was the most astute of the nuclear-age presidents on security matters, that Reagan and Gorbachev almost achieved ``the magic moment'' of superpower nuclear disarmament in their Reykjavik summit. Newhouse ( The Sporty Game ) analyzes the weak link in the U.S. command and control system, showing how control of nuclear weapons has been diffused through the senior echelons of the military command. The reflexive paranoia that has characterized Soviet leadership since Stalin is being ``effaced'' by Gorbachev, predicts the author, and the bilateral relationship currently being worked out ``should be as important as arms control itself.'' 50,000 first printing. (Jan.)