In this book Bradley Klein draws on recent debates in international relations theory to raise important questions about the nature of strategic studies and nuclear deterrence. In clear and uncluttered language, he explores the links among modernity, state-building and strategic violence, and argues that American foreign policy, and NATO, undertook a set of dynamic political practices to make and remake world order in the image of Western identity. The book will be of interest to students of international relations theory, strategic studies, peace studies, and US foreign policy.