Black Box: KAL 007 and the Superpowers

On September 1, 1983, a Soviet fighter plane shot down a South Korean commercial airliner, KAL 007, killing all 269 persons aboard. This book explores the major questions surrounding the incident, including why the jet strayed hundreds of miles off course and flew for hours over Soviet territory. It is the first book-length exploration of all the available information and weighs each of the hypotheses that have been advanced to explain the episode.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 142 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

On September 1, 1983, a tragic event unfolded when a Soviet fighter plane, identified as SU-25, shot down a South Korean commercial airliner, KAL 007, resulting in the loss of all 269 passengers and crew members. The jet, which was flying from New York to Seoul, strayed hundreds of miles off its intended course and flew for several hours over Soviet territory, including sensitive nuclear and submarine installations. The incident sparked widespread international outrage and led to a significant Soviet-American confrontation.

In this book, the author aims to address the key questions surrounding the incident. It is the first comprehensive exploration of all available information on the subject, weighing each of the hypotheses advanced to explain the dramatic episode. The author's objective is to provide a balanced and objective analysis of the available evidence, allowing readers to form their own conclusions.

The book delves into various aspects of the incident, including the flight path of KAL 007, the actions of the Soviet pilot and air traffic controllers, and the political and military implications of the incident. The author examines the various theories that have been proposed to explain the jet's deviation from its course, including the possibility of a mechanical malfunction, a conspiracy, or a miscommunication.

The author also explores the political and diplomatic fallout of the incident, including the strained relations between the United States and the Soviet Union, the international condemnation of the Soviet action, and the subsequent negotiations and agreements that were reached to prevent similar incidents in the future. The book also examines the impact of the incident on the South Korean and international communities, including the loss of loved ones, the emotional trauma experienced by survivors, and the political and economic consequences.

Throughout the book, the author employs a rigorous and analytical approach to examine the available evidence and to evaluate the various hypotheses and theories. The author relies on a wide range of sources, including official documents, eyewitness accounts, and expert testimony, to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date account of the incident. The book is well-organized and easy to read, with clear headings and subheadings that help to guide the reader through the various chapters.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable contribution to the study of the KAL 007 incident and its implications for international relations. It provides a comprehensive and objective analysis of all available information on the subject, weighing each of the hypotheses and theories advanced to explain the incident. The author's rigorous and analytical approach ensures that readers are provided with a well-researched and informative account of this tragic event. This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press's mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology.

Weight: 227g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520307377