The War of Nerves: Inside the Cold War Mind

The psychology of nuclear brinkmanship that terrified a generation

The author shares many illustrative anecdotes from his time as a prominent journalist in Russia. He fills the book with fascinating insights into the psychology of one of the most uncertain periods in world history.

Sixsmith reminds us that we continue to live with the emotional trauma of the cold war. Today's decision-makers are no better at carefully examining their psychological assumptions than yesterday's leaders. Nuclear missiles are still pointed at our cities. Our lives still depend on the quirks, paranoias and anxieties of the men and women who lead us.