Bernard Brodie’s 1946 collection of edited essays represents some of the earliest thinking on nuclear deterrence. One of his best known quotes follows:

“Thus far the chief purpose of our military establishment has been to win wars. From now on its chief purpose must be to avert them. It can have almost no other useful purpose.”

–  Bernard Brodie, The Absolute Weapon, 1946

 

In addition to the full book, you can access a preliminary draft copy of these essays here.

 

Brodie

 

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Image: U.S. Army National Guard, Flickr

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