The Soviets' Greatest Gambit

Adam J. Levine analyzes the origins of the Cuban Missile Crisis, with a particular focus on Nikita Khrushchev's motives and the response of the Kennedy administration. Levine's account presents a different portrayal of the events than popularly told, shedding light on John F. Kennedy's decision-making practices and personal behavior while out of public eye.

Adam J. Levine is an independent scholar.

Part I: The Background
Chapter 1: Khrushchev and the Cold War Background
Chapter 2: The Kennedy Administration and Its Policies
Chapter 3: The Cold War 1961-1962
Part II: The Crisis
Chapter 4: The Great Gamble: The Decision, Plans, Buildup
Chapter 5: To Look or Not to Look: The Runup to the Crisis, July-October 1962
Chapter 6: The First Seven Days: The Secret Crisis
Chapter 7: The Second Week: The Public Crisis
Chapter 8: Aftermath and Conclusions