Essence of Decision is a landmark work in political science and international relations that dissects the Cuban Missile Crisis through three distinct analytical models: the Rational Actor Model, the Organizational Behavior Model, and the Governmental Politics Model. By applying these frameworks, the authors reveal how government decisions are shaped not only by strategic calculation but also by bureaucratic routines and internal political struggles. This multifaceted approach provides a deeper understanding of how the United States and the Soviet Union navigated one of the most perilous moments of the Cold War, ultimately averting nuclear catastrophe.

What sets Essence of Decision apart is its rigorous use of primary sources, including transcripts and government documents, which offer readers an unprecedented inside look at the decision-making processes of key leaders during the crisis. The authors challenge the conventional narrative of rational, unified state action by demonstrating the fragmented and often chaotic nature of policymaking. For example, the decision to impose a naval blockade on Cuba was not the product of a single strategic vision but rather a compromise shaped by differing perspectives within the Executive Committee advising President Kennedy.