Both the process and outcomes of public decision-making are key to the successful operation of government. Asking the right questions; accurately accessing the information available; surrounding decision makers with diverse, informed and experienced advisers; and exercising good judgment in weighing the information are all a part of the process. All these factors were evident during one of the most critical events in United States history.

October 2024 marks the 62nd anniversary of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Those 13 days were the closest the world has come to nuclear war. Wartime decision-making is always difficult and fraught with challenges. Indeed, it is the apex of public decision-making. Such was the case when the Soviet Union secretly introduced a small number of nuclear weapons into Cuba, with ships loaded with more nuclear weapons already sea-bound. Some might argue it was President John F. Kennedy’s finest hour.

When an American military plane discovered the missiles, a major crisis erupted. Kennedy immediately formed a group of advisors — the so-called ExComm Committee — to consider a path of action, while keeping these deliberations confidential to avoid panic until all reasonable and appropriate options could be identified and considered.

Some of Kennedy’s advisers urged an immediate air strike and a follow-up invasion of Cuba. This was also the initial inclination of the president, and, in fact, he began to mobilize troops. Fortunately for the world, he continued........

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