Nuclear War: A Scenario

The IMMEDIATE New York Times bestseller

Instant Los Angeles Times bestseller

“In Nuclear War: A Scenario, Annie Jacobsen paints a stark and terrifying picture of the consequences if our nuclear defenses fail... Absolutely chilling.”—Wall Street Journal

Aside from an asteroid strike, nuclear war is the only scenario that could obliterate our world within hours. A potential catalyst for such a conflict is an incoming nuclear missile targeting the United States.

Every generation, a journalist delves into the core of the nuclear military complex: examining the technologies, safeguards, strategies, and risks. These deep dives are crucial for our understanding of the true state of our world—where one nuclear launch could provoke another, and where the end of civilization hinges on split-second decisions based on the quality of our intelligence.

Pulitzer Prize finalist Annie Jacobsen’s Nuclear War: A Scenario delves into this high-stakes scenario, drawing on numerous exclusive interviews with military and civilian experts who have developed these weapons, understand the response protocols, and bear the responsibility for such critical decisions. Nuclear War: A Scenario explores the crucial minutes following a nuclear missile launch. It is a compelling read, offering unparalleled depth and urgency.