Looks more at the operational side of nuclear strategy than previous analysts have done, seeking to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

In what Stanley Hoffmann, writing in The New York Review of Books, has called a "fine analysis and critique of American targeting policies," Sagan looks more at the operational side of nuclear strategy than previous analysts have done, seeking to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

"Sagan presents a succinct survey, enriched with original argument, of important themes in the development of U.S. nuclear doctrine in practice (as distinct from academic theory)."-Richard K. Betts, Senior Fellow, The Brookings Institution