During the waning years of the Cold War, the US engaged in a massive military buildup and hoped to press the Soviet economy to breaking point to force it into political compromise. Hardline elements pressure the Soviet premier into launching an attack on the US before it has the chance to squeeze the Soviets any more. The attack goes forward, and all the consequences of the doomsday scenario are laid bare, with conflicting claimants to the US presidency as the line of succession breaks apart, devastation on the ground, and military staff having to choose between a treason, which might save what is left of their country, and a duty which might lead to the extinction of the human race itself.
