Book · 2013 · History

Command and Control

Nuclear Weapons, the Damascus Accident, and the Illusion of Safety

by Eric Schlosser · Recommended by 2 people on 2 podcasts

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Why people recommend it

Command and Control by Eric Schlosser is a comprehensive historical investigation into the safety hazards, close calls, and accidents associated with the American nuclear weapons arsenal. Tim Walz enthusiastically recommended the book during an interview on The Ezra Klein Show, telling the host that anyone looking to stay awake should read its detailed account of the nuclear accident at Damascus. Pete Dominick similarly brought up the book on The Joe Rogan Experience, describing Eric Schlosser's historical account and the accompanying documentary as a fascinating yet terrifying chronicle of near-misses and technological hazards. Both speakers emphasized the gripping, high-stakes nature of the material, using it to illustrate the precariousness of managing weapons of mass destruction and the alarming frequency of historical accidents that could have altered global history. The shared enthusiasm for the text highlighted its effectiveness in educating the public on military oversight, nuclear safety protocols, and the inherent risks built into Cold War defense infrastructure, making it a memorable recommendation for listeners interested in deep-dive historical non-fiction and government transparency regarding dangerous technological systems.

Who recommended it

• Tim Walz Recommended
• Pete Dominick Discussed

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