Massing the Tropes

Exploring the complex dynamics of nuclear strategy, Hirschbein critiques the prevailing belief that maintaining a balance of power can prevent nuclear war. He argues that this notion, rooted in historical assumptions, overlooks the dangerous implications of such thinking. By examining the metaphors that shape policy decisions regarding nuclear weapons, he reveals how these ancient and metaphorical concepts influence contemporary strategies and the nuclear subculture's understanding of conflict and crisis management.