Books matching: nuclear escalation
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'The Spy and the Traitor' by Ben Macintyre is a gripping account of the Cold War espionage story of Oleg Gordievsky, a KGB double agent who worked for MI6. The narrative delves into Gordievsky's life as a spy, detailing his recruitment, spy work, and eventual betrayal, leading to a nail-biting exfiltration operation. Macintyre's precise and meticulous writing style, along with well-chosen photos, makes the book consistently compelling and suspenseful, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the story unfolds.
Macintyre's narrative not only covers the espionage aspects of Gordievsky's story but also provides insights into the inner workings of the KGB and MI6 during the Cold War era. offers a riveting account of how Gordievsky's actions helped defuse a potential nuclear escalation between the West and the USSR, highlighting the high stakes and real-world consequences of espionage activities during that period.
Oleg Gordievsky was born into the KGB: shaped by it, loved by it, twisted, damaged, and very nearly destroyed by it. The Soviet spy service was in his heart and in his blood. His father worked for the...'Failed States: The Abuse of Power and the Assault on Democracy' by Noam Chomsky is a scathing critique of U.S. foreign and domestic policies, exposing the hypocrisy and danger of American actions both at home and abroad. Chomsky argues that the United States, often seen as a global superpower, actually fits the profile of a failed state, failing to protect its citizens from violence, disregarding international law, and lacking genuine democratic institutions. Through meticulous documentation and compelling arguments, Chomsky dismantles America's claim to being a promoter of democracy while highlighting the reckless and potentially disastrous consequences of its policies.
Chomsky's writing style in 'Failed States' is described as forceful, lucid, and urgent, offering a comprehensive analysis of the U.S. government's lawless military aggression, disregard for international norms, and self-exemption from accountability. The book covers a range of topics, from the escalation of nuclear risk to the consequences of the Iraq occupation, all while critiquing the American electoral system and the influence of corporate interests. Chomsky's uncompromising moral sensibility, icy logic, and withering sarcasm shine through in this polemic, making it required reading for every thoughtful citizen seeking a critical examination of American power dynamics.
Half a century ago, in July 1955, Bertrand Russell and Albert Einstein issued an extraordinary appeal to the people of the world, asking them “to set aside” the strong feelings they have about many is...- #3
Save:'Resurrection Day' by Brendan DuBois is an alternative history novel set in America in 1972, a decade after a full-scale nuclear war resulting from the Cuban Missile Crisis devastated much of America, Cuba, and the Soviet Union. The story follows Boston reporter Carl Landry as he investigates the murder of a former military liaison, uncovering political intrigue and secrets that challenge the assumptions of society. The book presents a gripping narrative with chilling descriptions of the historical events that led to the alternate reality, creating a world filled with underground patriots fighting for freedom in the aftermath of war.
History will record the fact that this bitter struggle reached its climax in the late 1950s and the early 1960s. Let me then make clear as the President of the United States that I am determined upon ... - #4
Save:The Dark Frontier by Eric Ambler is a satirical take on the gentleman adventurer secret agent genre, where a mild-mannered and hypercautious physics professor experiences a nervous breakdown while reading a thriller. He awakens in the character of the hero and embarks on a mission to the Balkans to save the world from a superweapon, overthrow an authoritarian government, and even falls in love with a beautiful aristocrat, all without a plan, resources, or support. The book's writing style is described as staccato, resembling a station bookstall thriller of the time, with a narrative that alternates between the protagonist's point of view and that of an American newspaperman recruited by the protagonist.
The plot of The Dark Frontier unfolds as the protagonist comically misinterprets all evidence that he is not a superhuman secret agent, bumbling his way through his imagined mission. The book is noted for its meta nature, where the protagonist initially reads a contemporary thriller about a superspy before becoming embroiled in his own adventure. Eric Ambler's first novel is seen as a parody of the spy genre, with elements of zaniness and humor that foreshadow his later works, such as 'A Coffin for Dimitrios'.
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Save:In the book 'The Last Full Measure' by Trent Reedy, the story follows 17-year-old PFC Daniel Wright as he finds himself entangled in controversy and events spiraling out of control after an Idaho National Guard action ends in tragedy. The narrative delves into the aftermath of the incident, where Daniel struggles to make his voice heard amidst false accusations and political agendas, ultimately leading to a divided nation torn apart by conflict and power struggles. As tensions escalate and danger lurks at every turn, Daniel and his friends navigate treachery and uncertainty, seeking trust and solace in a world fraught with chaos and deception.
Author Trent Reedy's writing style in the 'Divided We Fall' series is praised for its gripping storytelling, lifelike characters, and a plausible post-apocalyptic scenario set in modern-day America. The trilogy explores themes of survival, friendship, betrayal, and the harsh realities of a fractured society where trust is a scarce commodity and political forces manipulate truths for their gain. Readers are taken on an emotional journey through the eyes of Daniel and his companions as they strive to navigate a world on the brink of collapse, facing challenges that test their resilience and convictions.
(Also, see 8 recommendations for the series Divided We Fall )
