The myth of overkill: a critique of "A strategy for American security"

Expert InsightsPublished 1964

A criticism of the view in Professor Melman's book that the United States possesses an unnecessary overkill capacity and should cut the defense budget by at least $22 billion. According to Katz, Melman does not analyze the problem he raises, does not present a "strategy" but a reaction to some unstated level of attack, does not compare this assumed "strategy" with any other strategy, and does not touch on the complexities of U.S. strategy as described by military or civilian officials. The following suggestions are made: (1) make the world safe for disarmament, (2) fight secrecy, (3) work harder for next steps in arms control and disarmament, and (4) de-couple accidents from consequences.

Document Details

  • Copyright: RAND Corporation
  • Availability: Web Only
  • Year: 1964
  • Pages: 19
  • Document Number: P-2846

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The myth of overkill: a critique of "A strategy for American security". Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1964. https://www.rand.org/pubs/papers/P2846.html.
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