Assuming the existence of a zero-sum game between the United States and the Soviet Union, the author of this contentious tract condemns the European members of NATO not only for taking a free ride in defense but also for strengthening the Soviet Union through a misguided effort to find security through détente and trade. He believes that if the United States withdraws from direct participation in European defense, the European nations will be forced to take care of themselves, thus strengthening the West overall.