Dutton Nuclear War: A Scenario

Annie Jacobsen’s latest work is a masterclass in investigative journalism, offering a compelling deep dive into one of the most complex and dangerous topics of our time: the looming threat of nuclear war. Her meticulous research, backed by an impressive array of declassified documents and interviews, creates a comprehensive and authoritative narrative that sheds light on how global powers are preparing for this unimaginable scenario. Jacobsen’s writing is both informative and engaging, balancing technical detail with vivid storytelling. She pulls back the curtain on a world where cutting-edge science and military strategy converge, providing readers with a chilling but necessary understanding of the stakes involved. What makes Jacobsen’s book so powerful is not just the depth of her research, but her ability to humanize such an overwhelming topic. She doesn’t just present data and strategy; she explores the motivations, fears, and ethical dilemmas faced by the scientists, military leaders, and policymakers who are shaping the future of warfare. Jacobsen raises profound questions about the moral cost of pursuing technologies that could potentially end civilization, making her work not only a gripping read but a deeply thought-provoking one. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of global security and the evolving landscape of modern warfare. Thank you Annie!

The author gives a detailed background of the nuclear history and provides with unopinionated scenario of a possible war leaving no winners in a result.

A unusual "on the edge of my seat" read. Sobering. Not a feel good book, but very interesting and informative. Well written!

Leitura que prende, tenso, denso e triste E muito assustador pensar que essa capacidade pra destruir tá nas mãos do cara que nem imagina que na África também se fala inglês

Very thrilling and fascinating book, could not stop reading. It is truely shocking how close we are to total annihilation all the time.

*Nuclear War: A Scenario* by Annie Jacobsen is one of the most terrifying and important books I’ve ever read—not because it's fiction, but precisely because it isn't. This is a non-fiction book built on meticulous research, interviews with military insiders, and declassified documents, yet it reads like a high-stakes thriller. What makes it so unsettling is that every moment, every escalation, every horrifying consequence is grounded in reality. There is no speculation here—only a sobering step-by-step account of what would unfold if nuclear war were to begin *today*. Jacobsen structures the book as a minute-by-minute scenario, and the format is brilliant. You’re pulled into a tightly wound narrative that shows just how fast decisions are made—and how little time world leaders actually have. The pace is relentless, the facts are razor-sharp, and the implications are devastating. As a reader, I was shocked by how close we are—*still*—to total annihilation. The smallest miscommunication, the wrong radar ping, a political misstep or cyberattack, and we could be seconds away from the end of human civilization. Jacobsen doesn’t sensationalize it. She doesn’t have to. The truth is harrowing enough. What stayed with me most was how helpless we would be once a launch order is given. The systems, protocols, and retaliatory measures in place are so rigid and fast-moving that once it begins, there’s no turning back. No diplomatic pause. No margin for error. This book doesn’t preach, but it demands awareness. It’s eye-opening, jaw-dropping, and, frankly, terrifying—but it’s also essential reading. Annie Jacobsen has done the world a great service by writing it. If you’ve ever believed that nuclear war was a Cold War relic or a distant hypothetical, *read this book*. It may be the most important wake-up call of our time.

Couldn't put it down!