Military leaders underestimated the risks of nuclear war from "summary" of The Doomsday Machine by Daniel Ellsberg
Military leaders consistently failed to fully grasp the catastrophic consequences of nuclear war. Their planning and decision-making processes were riddled with flawed assumptions and reckless disregard for the potential devastation that could result from a nuclear conflict. Despite possessing the power to annihilate entire cities and populations, these leaders operated under the illusion that they could control and contain the effects of nuclear weapons. The belief in the concept of "limited nuclear war" was particularly dangerous, as it suggested that nuclear weapons could be used in a controlled and strategic manner without triggering an all-out global catastrophe. This flawed logic led to the development of war plans that relied heavily on the use of nuclear weapons as a tactical tool, rather than as a weapon of last resort. The willingness to use nuclear weapons in a limited capacity only served to increase the likelihood of escalation and the uncontrollable spread of destruction. Furthermore, military leaders consistently underestimated the potential for accidental or unauthorized launch of nuclear weapons. The complex and decentralized command structure of nuclear forces created numerous opportunities for errors, miscommunications, and miscalculations that could lead to a nuclear catastrophe. Despite these risks, little attention was given to implementing safeguards and protocols to prevent such scenarios from occurring. The overconfidence in the ability to manage and control nuclear weapons also extended to the belief that the United States could "win" a nuclear war against the Soviet Union. This dangerous mindset fueled the arms race and the development of increasingly destructive weapons, with little consideration for the human and environmental toll of such a conflict. The failure to fully comprehend the devastating consequences of nuclear war blinded military leaders to the urgent need for disarmament and the pursuit of peaceful solutions to international conflicts.
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