Reddit mentions of We Now Know: Rethinking Cold War History (Council on Foreign Relations Book)

YS(also)K about http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Von_Clausewitz - his book "On War" laid the foundations for the academic study of warfare. Many (many) years later, Herman Kahn wrote "On Thermonuclear War", an amazing book, as a follow-on.

For those interested in this most morbid of subjects, I can recommend:

• The Evolution of Nuclear Strategy
  
• The Utility of Force
  
• We Now Know: Rethinking Cold War History
  
• and of course On Thermonuclear War.
  
  For an antidote, Joanna Bourke's superb Fear: A Cultural History may also be enjoyed.

Two books that might help:

Odd Arne Westad, The Global Cold War Excellent analysis of US and USSR moves in smaller countries. Definitely gets into what I think you're looking for.

John Gaddis, We Now Know Gaddis is a bit heavy on the self-congratulations here, but this book is really good. Not quite as on point as Westad for your interest, but should still be helpful.