Kennan was a bit of the introvert while Nitze was more outgoing. Both were creatures of the evolving environment of Washington. The book spans the full scope of the 40s through the 90s, and looks a the relationship of the US to the USSR. Kennan is the one who understands both Russia and the Soviets and the one seeking containment. Nitze understood the threats especially of the nuclear threat having personally gone to Hiroshima.
Having spent five years in the area of nuclear arms control in the late 1970s I, as a young technical adviser to ACDA, saw many of the names involved, albeit at a distance. This book brings them to life with their flaws and strengths. The book captures all of the players, especially in that period, with a clarity that is exceptional. The conflicts during the Carter administration are clearly presented and the conflicts between Warnke and Nitze are accurately portrayed. They were existential in nature and there was a fear of a true clear and present danger of nuclear destruction.
Other reviews of this book go into greater detail, thus I will just add that the author has created a smooth and easy to follow tale of the times using these two men, at times in conflict, yet always friends and gentlemen, as the vehicle. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to understand this time and the breath of the pending conflict.
Having spent time in Russia on various venues my Russian friends have a high regard for Kennan, and he is almost an intellectual hero. He understood the separation of the Russian and Soviet mentality. He saw that at heart the Russian were as dedicated to their nation as the Americans and the true threat was Stalin and his ilk.
Having spent five years in the area of nuclear arms control in the late 1970s I, as a young technical adviser to ACDA, saw many of the names involved, albeit at a distance. This book brings them to life with their flaws and strengths. The book captures all of the players, especially in that period, with a clarity that is exceptional. The conflicts during the Carter administration are clearly presented and the conflicts between Warnke and Nitze are accurately portrayed. They were existential in nature and there was a fear of a true clear and present danger of nuclear destruction.
Other reviews of this book go into greater detail, thus I will just add that the author has created a smooth and easy to follow tale of the times using these two men, at times in conflict, yet always friends and gentlemen, as the vehicle. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to understand this time and the breath of the pending conflict.
Having spent time in Russia on various venues my Russian friends have a high regard for Kennan, and he is almost an intellectual hero. He understood the separation of the Russian and Soviet mentality. He saw that at heart the Russian were as dedicated to their nation as the Americans and the true threat was Stalin and his ilk.
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