Military vs. Government

In this novel, the author takes pains to separate the government from the military. The author believes that the Cuban Missile Crisis was an attempt by the Soviet military to begin a war with the Americans. The American military advisers also seemed prepared to go to war if the Soviets continued to be aggressive toward the Americans.

Nate speaks with his old commander from the war and sees just how prepared the American military is to go to war. It frightens him and he begins to feel the pressure of impending war. This war will be different, however, as the weapons will primarily consist of nuclear warheads. In contrast to their behavior before the United States entered World War II, Nate and Jack are both less eager to enter into war with the Soviets. Khrushchev, too, seems reluctant to go to war. It is...