
Why did the United States and the Soviet Union come so close to nuclear war in 1962, and how was catastrophe averted? Essence of Decision offers a groundbreaking analysis of the Cuban Missile Crisis, not just as a historical episode but as a lens through which to examine the complexities of high-stakes government decision-making. Drawing on political science and organizational theory, the book introduces three distinct models for understanding state the Rational Actor Model, which assumes strategic calculation; the Organizational Behavior Model, which emphasizes institutional procedures; and the Governmental Politics Model, which highlights internal bargaining and competing interests. By applying these frameworks to a single event, the authors reveal how different interpretations can emerge from the same facts—and why understanding the machinery of decision-making is essential to diplomacy, security, and leadership. Thoroughly researched and intellectually rigorous, this revised edition remains a foundational text for students, scholars, and professionals in international relations, political science, and public policy.