For the first time, this book reveals previously unpublished facts about how close the world came to World War III over Soviet missiles installed in Cuba by a reckless Soviet leader against the advice of the Kremlin. David Baker provides previously classified details on how the Pentagon put Britain’s bombers on alert without the UK government’s knowledge. Unknown at the time, in October 1962, Russia had only a handful of missiles capable of reaching America while the US had a massive retaliatory advantage. Conducting secret discussions through intermediaries, in return for the public removal of Russian missiles from Cuba, President Kennedy agreed to remove US missiles encircling the USSR.

Reckless Provocation explores the web of intrigue involving presidents, military leaders, industrialists, defence and powerful politicians surrounding the nuclear arms race. It is a power-play that continues to this day.