<p/><br></br><p><b> About the Book </b></p></br></br><p>The 1983 shootdown of KAL 007 and the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear accident dramatically changed the Soviet Union in unpredictable ways. The Communist Party, which struggled to maintain control of political messaging after the KAL crisis, lost control in the aftermath of Chernobyl.</p><p/><br></br><p><b> Book Synopsis </b></p></br></br><p>The essays in this book examine the arguments and rhetoric used by the United States and the USSR following two catastrophes that impacted both countries, as blame is cast and consequences are debated. In this environment, it was perhaps inevitable that conspiracy theories would arise, especially about the downing of Korean Air Lines Flight 007 over the Sea of Japan. Those theories are examined, resulting in at least one method for addressing conspiracy arguments. In the case of Chernobyl, the disaster ruptured the "social compact" between the Soviet government and the people; efforts to overcome the resulting disillusionment quickly became the focus of state efforts.</p><p/><br></br><p><b> About the Author </b></p></br></br><p><strong>David Cratis Williams</strong> is Professor of Communication and Rhetorical Studies at Florida Atlantic University. His scholarship focuses on argumentation, rhetorical theory, and criticism; he is a recognized authority on Kenneth Burke. His work on Russian political discourse began during a meeting in Russia in January 1992.</p><p><strong>Marilyn J. Young</strong> is the Wayne C. Minnick Professor of Communication Emerita at Florida State University. Her research has focused on political argument with an emphasis on the development of political rhetoric and argument in the former Soviet Union, particularly Russia. She remains an active scholar in retirement.</p><p><strong>Michael K. Launer</strong> is Professor Emeritus of Russian at Florida State University. In 1987 he interpreted for the first group of Soviet scientists visiting the US following Chernobyl. A State Department certified technical interpreter, he supported Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Department of Energy assistance programs through 2012.</p>