This book investigates the efficacy and ethical implications of military war gaming as a tool for predicting and managing potential global conflicts. Thomas B. Allen utilizes declassified documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act to examine the internal culture of the Pentagon. He argues that the reliance on computer-simulated scenarios to determine nuclear thresholds creates a dangerous disconnect between human decision-making and automated strategic planning.

Experts and readers frequently note the technical detail and investigative rigor of the text, which provides a rare look into classified strategic planning. It is widely regarded as a foundational work for understanding the intersection of computer science and nuclear policy during the late 20th century.