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: Hardback
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 Soviet Union and South Korea, the United States' involvement in the incident, and the subsequent negotiations and agreements that were reached. The book sheds light on the complex dynamics of the Cold War era, highlighting the tensions and rivalries between the superpowers and the risks associated with military confrontations.

Overall, this book provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the KAL 007 incident, offering valuable insights into the events that led to the tragic loss of lives and the subsequent diplomatic and military consequences. It is a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the Cold War era and the events that shaped it.

Weight: 363g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520358713