This book investigates the reality of the naval arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War, specifically challenging the perception of Soviet naval parity. The authors, Richard Fieldhouse and Shunji Taoka, utilize data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) to examine the nuclearization of naval forces. They argue that the Soviet navy faced significant structural and technological disadvantages that limited its global power projection capabilities compared to Western forces.

Experts recognize this work as a significant contribution to Cold War military analysis due to its reliance on empirical data rather than prevailing political rhetoric. Readers frequently note the technical density of the prose, which serves as a foundational text for understanding the strategic realities of maritime nuclearization.