On the topic of nuclear warfare, I have also read and can recommend The Bomb: Presidents, Generals, and the Secret History of Nuclear War by Fred Kaplan. The book provides a deep dive into the development of the US nuclear doctrine over time , covering all administrations across 70 years and outlining in great detail many issues and arguments around nuclear policy.
If you’re also interested in books on biological weapons, I particularly recommend (HT Chris Bakerlee):
On the rise of China (relevant to Great Power Competition), I have found it interesting to read Superpower Interrupted: The Chinese History of the World by Michael Schuman. However, I am not too excited to recommend it, because the great majority of the book covers developments in ancient China for which the level of “insights per page” was fairly low for me.
All of the above books are also available as audio books on Audible.
On the topic of nuclear warfare, I have also read and can recommend The Bomb: Presidents, Generals, and the Secret History of Nuclear War by Fred Kaplan. The book provides a deep dive into the development of the US nuclear doctrine over time , covering all administrations across 70 years and outlining in great detail many issues and arguments around nuclear policy.
If you’re also interested in books on biological weapons, I particularly recommend (HT Chris Bakerlee):
1. Bioterror and Biowarfare: A Beginner’s Guide by Malcolm Dando
2. Deadliest Enemy: Our War Against Killer Germs by Michael T. Osterholm and Mark Olshaker
On the rise of China (relevant to Great Power Competition), I have found it interesting to read Superpower Interrupted: The Chinese History of the World by Michael Schuman. However, I am not too excited to recommend it, because the great majority of the book covers developments in ancient China for which the level of “insights per page” was fairly low for me.
All of the above books are also available as audio books on Audible.
Thanks for your recommendations!
I’ve now listened to The Bomb. I found it interesting and useful, and would likewise recommend it to others. I also wrote some notes on it here.
(And your other recommendations are on my list of books to consider reading in future.)
ETA: I’ve now also listened to Bioterror and Biowarfare, found it useful as well, and posted some takeaways and notes.