The Cybernetic Theory of Decision: New Dimensions of Political Analysis

by John D. Steinbruner

Overview

In this classic work, John Steinbruner argues that the time is ripe for exploration of a new theoretical perspective on the decision-making process in government. He suggests that the cybernetic theory of decision as developed in such diverse fields as information theory, mathematical logic, and behavioral psychology generates a systematic but non-rational analysis that seems to explain quite naturally decisions that are puzzling when viewed from the rational perspective. When combined with the basic understanding of human mental operations developed in cognitive psychology, the cybernetic theory of decision presents a striking picture of how decision makers deal with the intense uncertainty and fundamental value conflicts that arise in bureaucratic politics. To illustrate the advantages of using cybernetic theory, Steinbruner analyzes the issue of sharing nuclear weapons among the NATO allies.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781400823796
Publisher:	Princeton University Press
Publication date:	08/10/2021
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	392
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

John D. Steinbruner is Professor of Public Policy at the University of Maryland, where he directs the Center for International and Security Studies. He is a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. His many books include, most recently, Principles of Global Security.

Table of Contents

List of Figures ix

Preface to the Second Paperback Edition xi

Preface xxi

Chapter 1: Introduction 3

PART ONE: PARADIGMS OF THE DECISION PROCESS

Chapter 2: The Analytic Paradigm 25

Chapter 3: The Cybernetic Paradigm 47

Chapter 4: Cognitive Processes 88

Chapter 5: Politics and Policy 140

PART TWO: THE POLITICS OF NUCLEAR SHARING 1956-1964

Chapter 6: Strains in the Alliance: Genesis of a Two-Value Problem 153

Chapter 7: The Development of Nuclear Sharing Proposals: 1956-1960 173

Chapter 8: The Rise of the Multilateral Force: 1961-1963 199

Chapter 9: Asendancy and Sudden Death of the Multilateral Force: 1963-1964 327

Chapter 10: Epilogue: Conclusions and Implications 327

Bibliography 343

Index 361

Editorial Reviews

"A stimulating and challenging work, almost two books in one, which applies cybernetics and psychology to the politics of the multilateral nuclear force and the nuclear sharing issue in the period of 1956-1964. Steinbruner's important and creative study successfully adds a new dimension to our understanding of decision-making."

Foreign Affairs

"Likely to prove one of those few path-breaking efforts of conceptual synthesis which will be influencing our thinking about government and policy-making for many years to come."—-I. M. Destler, Arms Control Today

From the Publisher

Likely to prove one of those few path-breaking efforts of conceptual synthesis which will be influencing our thinking about government and policy-making for many years to come.

Arms Control Today - I. M. Destler

Likely to prove one of those few path-breaking efforts of conceptual synthesis which will be influencing our thinking about government and policy-making for many years to come.

Arms Control Today - I.M. Destler

Likely to prove one of those few path-breaking efforts of conceptual synthesis which will be influencing our thinking about government and policy-making for many years to come.
— I. M. Destler

Arms Control Today