This is the first in what is planned as an annual series focusing on current major issues in the debate on American defense policy. The authors are authoritative and include former government officials as well as academics and other experts; they put forth their views in a direct and lively manner, and the editors have balanced their political perspectives. There is much debate in the volume and a useful chronology of defense events during the year. However, the volume's subtitle, to be accurate, should be: 1984.