Nuclear Folly: A History of the Cuban Missile Crisis

Nuclear Folly: A History of the Cuban Missile Crisis
Author: Serhii Plokhy
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Total Pages: 426
Release: 2021-04-13
Genre: History
ISBN: 0393540820

"The definitive history.…With his masterly book, Mr. Plokhy has sounded a warning bell." — The Economist A harrowing account of the Cuban missile crisis and how the US and USSR came to the brink of nuclear apocalypse. Nearly thirty years after the end of the Cold War, today’s world leaders are abandoning disarmament treaties, building up their nuclear arsenals, and exchanging threats of nuclear strikes. To survive this new atomic age, we must relearn the lessons of the most dangerous moment of the Cold War: the Cuban missile crisis. Serhii Plokhy’s Nuclear Folly offers an international perspective on the crisis, tracing the tortuous decision-making that produced and then resolved it, which involved John Kennedy and his advisers, Nikita Khrushchev and Fidel Castro, and their commanders on the ground. In breathtaking detail, Plokhy vividly recounts the young JFK being played by the canny Khrushchev; the hotheaded Castro willing to defy the USSR and threatening to align himself with China; the Soviet troops on the ground clearing jungle foliage in the tropical heat, and desperately trying to conceal nuclear installations on Cuba, which were nonetheless easily spotted by U-2 spy planes; and the hair-raising near misses at sea that nearly caused a Soviet nuclear-armed submarine to fire its weapons. More often than not, the Americans and Soviets misread each other, operated under false information, and came perilously close to nuclear catastrophe. Despite these errors, nuclear war was ultimately avoided for one central reason: fear, and the realization that any escalation on either the Soviets’ or the Americans’ part would lead to mutual destruction. Drawing on a range of Soviet archival sources, including previously classified KGB documents, as well as White House tapes, Plokhy masterfully illustrates the drama and anxiety of those tense days, and provides a way for us to grapple with the problems posed in our present day.

The Lessons of Cuba

The Lessons of Cuba
Author: James S. Allen
Publisher: New York : New Century Publishers
Total Pages: 34
Release: 1961
Genre: Communism
ISBN:

Sad and Luminous Days

Sad and Luminous Days
Author: James G. Blight
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Total Pages: 351
Release: 2007-02-08
Genre: History
ISBN: 1461642205

In October 1962 school children huddled under their desks and diplomats feverishly negotiated as the world sat on the brink of nuclear war. The Cuban Missile Crisis was the most dangerous moment in modern history and resulted in a changed worldview for the United States, the Soviet Union, and Cuba. In tracing the developments of the missile crisis and beyond, Sad and Luminous Days presents and interprets a heretofore unavailable (and largely unknown) secret speech that Castro delivered to the Cuban leadership in 1968. In it, Castro reflects on the crisis and reveals the distrust and bitterness that characterized Cuban-Soviet relations in 1968. Blight and Brenner frame the annotated speech with an examination of the missile crisis itself, and an analysis of Cuban-Soviet relations between 1962–1968, ending with an epilogue that highlights the lessons the missile crisis offers us in the current search for security and a stable world order. Sad and Luminous Days sheds new light on Cuban-Soviet relations and should be required reading not only for Cold-War scholars and historians, but also for anyone intrigued by the drama of the thirteen momentous days in October 1962.

The Cuban Missile Crisis and the Cold War

The Cuban Missile Crisis and the Cold War
Author: Michelle Getchell
Publisher: Hackett Publishing
Total Pages: 202
Release: 2018-09-15
Genre: History
ISBN: 1624667430

In October 1962, when the Soviet Union deployed nuclear missiles in Cuba, the most dangerous confrontation of the Cold War ensued, bringing the world close to the brink of nuclear war. Over two tense weeks, U.S. president John F. Kennedy and Soviet premier Nikita Khrushchev managed to negotiate a peaceful resolution to what was nearly a global catastrophe. Drawing on the best recent scholarship and previously unexamined documents from the archives of the former Soviet Union, this introductory volume examines the motivations and calculations of the major participants in the conflict, sets the crisis in the context of the broader history of the global Cold War, and traces the effects of the crisis on subsequent international and regional geopolitical relations. Selections from twenty primary sources provide firsthand accounts of the frantic deliberations and realpolitik diplomacy between the U.S., the U.S.S.R., and Fidel Castro's Cuban regime; thirteen illustrations are also included. CONTENTS: Introduction: The Making of a global Crisis The Origins of the Cold WarA New Front in the Cold WarThe Cold War in Latin AmericaThe Cuban Revolution and the Soviet UnionU.S. and Regional Responses to the Cuban RevolutionOperation Zapata: The Bay of PigsOperation Anadyr: Soviet Missiles in CubaCrisis Dénouement: The Missiles of NovemberEvaluating the Leadership on All Sides of the CrisisNuclear Fallout: Consequences of the Missile CrisisThe Future of Cuban-Soviet RelationsLatin American Responses to the Missile CrisisConclusion: Lessons of the Cuban Missile CrisisHistoriography of the Cuban Missile Crisis DocumentsMemorandum for McGeorge Bundy from Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., April 10, 1961State Department White Paper, April 1961From the Cable on the Conversation between Gromyko and Kennedy, October 18, 1962Telegram from Soviet Foreign Minister Gromyko to the CC CPSU, October 20, 1962President John F. Kennedy’s speech to the Nation, October 22, 1962Resolution Adopted by the Council of the Organization of American States Acting Provisionally as the Organ of Consultation, October 23, 1962Message from Mexican President Adolfo López Mateos to Cuban President Osvaldo Dorticós, October 23, 1962Letter from Khrushchev to John F. Kennedy, October 24, 1962Telegram from Soviet Ambassador to the USA Dobrynin to the USSR MFA, October 24, 1962Memorandum for President Kennedy from Douglas Dillon, October 26, 1962Telegram from Fidel Castro to N.S. Khrushchev, October 26, 1962Letter from Khrushchev to Fidel Castro, October 28, 1962Cable from USSR Ambassador to Cuba Alekseev to Soviet Ministry of Foreign Affairs, October 28, 1962Telegram from Soviet Deputy Foreign Minister Kuznetsov and Ambassador to the U.N. Zorin to USSR Foreign Ministry (1), October 30, 1962Premier Khrushchev’s Letter to Prime Minister Castro, October 30, 1962Prime Minister Castro’s Letter to Premier Khrushchev, October 31, 1962Meeting of the Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba with Mikoyan in the Presidential Palace, November 4, 1962Brazilian Foreign Ministry Memorandum, “Question of Cuba,” November 20, 1968Letter from Khrushchev to Fidel Castro, January 31, 1963“I Know Something About the Caribbean Crisis,” Notes from a Conversation with Fidel Castro, November 5, 1987Select Bibliography

Cuban Missile Crisis

Cuban Missile Crisis
Author: A.J. Kingston
Publisher: A.J. Kingston
Total Pages: 463
Release: 2023
Genre: History
ISBN: 1839383410

Introducing the "Cuban Missile Crisis: Kennedy, Khrushchev & Castro" Book Bundle Step back in time and delve into one of the most critical moments in modern history with the "Cuban Missile Crisis: Kennedy, Khrushchev & Castro" book bundle. This captivating collection offers a comprehensive exploration of the political, human, strategic, and historical dimensions of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Immerse yourself in the gripping narratives, firsthand accounts, and expert analyses that bring this pivotal event to life. Book 1 - The Cuban Missile Crisis: A Political Analysis Uncover the intricate political dynamics and power plays that shaped the Cuban Missile Crisis. In this meticulously researched and thought-provoking book, dive deep into the decision-making processes of President John F. Kennedy, Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev, and Cuban leader Fidel Castro. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the geopolitical landscape, the motivations of the key actors, and the high-stakes negotiations that unfolded during those tense days in October 1962. Book 2 - The Human Side Of The Cuban Missile Crisis: Personal Stories And Perspectives Experience the crisis through the eyes of those who lived it. This emotionally compelling book brings the human element to the forefront, sharing personal accounts and intimate stories of individuals caught in the midst of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Hear their fears, hopes, and moments of resilience as they grappled with the unimaginable consequences of a potential nuclear conflict. These poignant narratives will leave an indelible impression and deepen your understanding of the human impact of this historic event. Book 3 - Secrets And Strategies: Unveiling The Cold War Chessboard During The Cuban Missile Crisis Journey behind the scenes and uncover the covert operations, intelligence-gathering efforts, and strategic calculations that shaped the crisis. This riveting book reveals the hidden maneuvers, technological advancements, and intelligence failures that influenced the course of events. Explore the strategies employed by nations as they engaged in a high-stakes game of Cold War chess. Unlock the secrets and gain a deeper appreciation of the complexities that characterized this pivotal moment in history. Book 4 - Beyond The Brink: Lessons Learned From The Cuban Missile Crisis Reflect on the enduring lessons and implications of the Cuban Missile Crisis. This insightful book explores how the crisis shaped international relations, nuclear deterrence strategies, and crisis management approaches in the post-Crisis era. Discover the insights gained from this historic event and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of diplomacy, cooperation, and the pursuit of peace in our complex world. Why Choose the "Cuban Missile Crisis: Kennedy, Khrushchev & Castro" Book Bundle? This book bundle offers a comprehensive and multidimensional exploration of the Cuban Missile Crisis, combining expert analyses, personal narratives, and in-depth historical research. By purchasing this bundle, you will: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the political, human, and strategic dimensions of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Experience the crisis through personal stories and perspectives that humanize the event. Uncover the covert operations, intelligence strategies, and hidden motivations that influenced the course of events. Reflect on the lessons learned and their impact on international relations and crisis management. Deepen your knowledge of one of the most significant moments in modern history. Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the heart of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Purchase the "Cuban Missile Crisis: Kennedy, Khrushchev & Castro" book bundle today and immerse yourself in a captivating journey through history.

Mind-sets and Missiles

Mind-sets and Missiles
Author: Kenneth Michael Absher
Publisher: Pickle Partners Publishing
Total Pages: 153
Release: 2018-02-27
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 1787209741

This Letort Paper provides a detailed chronology and analysis of the intelligence failures and successes of the Cuban Missile Crisis. The author, Mr. Kenneth Absher, contends that, when our national security is at stake, the United States should not hesitate to undertake risky intelligence collection operations, including espionage, to penetrate our adversary’s deceptions. At the same time, the United States must also understand that our adversary may not believe the gravity of our policy warnings or may not allow its own agenda to be influenced by U.S. diplomatic pressure. As both a student of and key participant in the events of the crisis, the author is able to provide in-depth analysis of the failures and successes of the national intelligence community and executive leadership during the build-up to the confrontation, and the risky but successful actions which led to its peaceful settlement. From his analysis, the author suggests considerations relevant to the collection, analysis, and use of intelligence which have continuing application.

The Lesson the United States Can Learn from Cuba

The Lesson the United States Can Learn from Cuba
Author: Serafín García Menocal
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 1964
Genre: Communism
ISBN:

This title comes from the Political Extremism and Radicalism digital archive series which provides access to primary sources for academic research and teaching purposes. Please be aware that users may find some of the content within this resource to be offensive.

Dark Beyond Darkness

Dark Beyond Darkness
Author: James G. Blight
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
Total Pages: 281
Release: 2017-12-22
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 1538102005

In Dark Beyond Darkness, James Blight and janet Lang, among the world’s foremost authorities on the Cuban missile crisis, synthesize the findings from their thirty-year project on the most dangerous moment in recorded history. Authoritative, accessible, and written with their usual flair and wit, DBD is the first book to take readers deeply inside the experience and calculations of Fidel Castro, who was willing to martyr Cuba if his new Russian ally would nuke the U.S. and destroy it. Blight and Lang have established that in October 1962, the world was on the brink of Armageddon, and that we escaped by luck. Their history is scary but unimpeachably accurate: we just barely escaped the cold and the dark in October 1962. Their history also comes with a warning: we are currently at risk not only of Armageddon-fast, in a war between superpowers, but Armageddon-in-Slow-Motion (the result a climate catastrophe following a regional nuclear war), and from Armageddon, Oops! (a conflict sparked by an accident, which is misinterpreted, and ends in nuclear war). Drawing on the insights of poets, musicians and novelists, as well as climate scientists and agronomists, they show the terrible risk we run by refusing to abolish nuclear weapons.