One Second After

William Forstchen talked about his novel One Second After (Forge Books; March 17, 2009). In his novel he depicts what America would be like after a high-altitude nuclear bomb explosion that sends out electromagnetic pulses (EMP) which permanently destroy all of the world’s electrical systems. A military and technology historian, Mr. Forstchen talked about what led him the write the book, the threat of electromagnetic pulse attacks in the real world, and the need for a missile defense system to guard against such attacks. Other topics included hardening the electric grid and other protective measures, which would also be a protection against a solar event. He was interviewed on stage by Clifford May at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Then experts in the audience joined the discussion.

William Forstchen is a faculty fellow and professor of history at Montreat College in North Carolina. His many books include Gettysburg and Pearl Harbor, both co-authored with Newt Gin close