Command and Control by Eric Schlosser Summary

Command and Control examines the hidden risks of America’s nuclear arsenal through the lens of the 1980 Damascus Titan missile accident in Arkansas. Eric Schlosser intertwines this near-catastrophe with a 50-year history of nuclear close calls, exposing systemic flaws in safety protocols, human error, and the illusion of technological infallibility.

This book is essential for readers interested in Cold War history, nuclear policy, or military technology. It appeals to fans of investigative journalism, policymakers analyzing risk management, and anyone concerned about the existential threats posed by complex systems.

Yes—Schlosser’s gripping narrative blends meticulous research with thriller-like pacing. The New York Times praised it as “disquieting but riveting,” offering critical insights into the precarious balance between nuclear safety and military readiness.

In 1980, a maintenance error at a Damascus, Arkansas, silo caused a Titan II missile to explode, dispersing toxic fuel and nearly detonating a 9-megaton warhead. Schlosser uses this incident to highlight the fragility of nuclear safety systems and the heroism of personnel who averted disaster.

The book argues that human fallibility—miscommunication, fatigue, and procedural shortcuts—has repeatedly jeopardized nuclear security. Schlosser documents incidents like unauthorized weapon modifications and misloaded bombers, underscoring the impossibility of eliminating risk in complex systems.

Beyond the Damascus accident, Schlosser explores the 1961 Goldsboro B-52 crash (where a bomb nearly detonated) and the 1966 Palomares incident (sparking a radioactive cleanup). These cases reveal systemic weaknesses in weapon design and chain-of-command protocols.

Schlosser critiques overconfidence in technological safeguards, showing how redundant systems and strict protocols often create false security. For example, early ICBMs lacked robust safety features, risking accidental launches during false alarms.

The book reveals how Cold War-era urgency to match Soviet capabilities led to rushed deployments of unstable weapons. Schlosser highlights the tension between deterrence (readiness for launch) and safety (preventing accidents).

• Human error is inevitable: Even rigorous protocols fail under stress.
• Technological hubris: Complex systems amplify unforeseen risks.
• Heroic mitigation: Quick-thinking personnel often prevent disasters.

Unlike Fast Food Nation (food industry exposé) or Reefer Madness (black market analysis), this book merges military history with risk-assessment journalism. It shares Schlosser’s signature depth but focuses on existential threats rather than societal issues.

Some reviewers argue Schlosser prioritizes narrative drama over policy analysis. The New York Times noted the book is “better reporting than policy critique,” though it remains a seminal work on nuclear risk.

With rising global nuclear tensions and AI-integrated defense systems, Schlosser’s warnings about human-technological fragility remain urgent. The book underscores the need for transparency in modern arsenals and multilateral safety agreements.