Goodby, J: At the Borderline of Armageddon

'No previous generation of statesmen has had to conduct policy in so unknown an environment at the border line of Armageddon'-Henry Kissinger Nuclear weapons pose a unique challenge to American foreign policy and the American president in particular. The choices the president makes with regard to atomic weapons can change the course of human history and affect the lives of billions of people. In this important new work, scholar, teacher, and diplomat James Goodby analyzes how American presidents have confronted the dilemma of nuclear weapons. Drawing on his own involvement in over fifty years of nuclear policy, he explores specific case studies to illustrate the decision making process and the delicate balance between international cooperation and freedom of action, between the rules of behavior and governmental autonomy.

In this important new work, scholar, teacher, and diplomat James E. Goodby analyzes how American presidents have confronted the dilemma of nuclear weapons. Drawing on his own involvement in over fifty years of nuclear policy, he explores specific case studies to illustrate the decision making process and the delicate balance between international cooperation and freedom of action, between the rules of behavior and governmental autonomy.

Chapter 1 Preface Chapter 2 Chapter 1: The Logic of War, 1941-1952 Chapter 3 At the Beginning: Churchill, Roosevelt and Truman Chapter 4 Chapter 2: Setting the Rules for the Long Haul, 1953-1968 Chapter 5 Nuclear Deterrence or Preventive War? Eisenhower's Choice Chapter 6 John Kennedy: From Crisis to Triumph to Tragedy Chapter 7 Lyndon Johnson: The Offense-Defense Riddle Chapter 8 Chapter III: Facing the Problems of Parity, 1969-1980 Chapter 9 Richard Nixon: Only Connect Chapter 10 Gerald Ford: A Time to Plant Chapter 11 Jimmy Carter: The Limits of Presidential Power Chapter 12 Chapter IV: A Break With the Past, 1981-1988 Chapter 13 The Reagan Revolution in Nuclear Weaponry Chapter 14 Chapter V: Once More into the Unknown Chapter 15 George H. W. Bush: Managing the Soviet Succession Chapter 16 William J. Clinton: Facing New Threats Chapter 17 George W. Bush: Overthrowing the Old Order Chapter 18 Afterword