A comprehensive analysis of the relationship between political judgement, bureaucratic advice and military intelligence in the mismanagement of Britain's Falklands policy. The author argues that the Junta's responsibility for the invasion does not exonerate British decision-makers.A post-imperial problem; ministerial and cabinet politics; Falklands and lobby politics; the structure of crisis; war cabinet diplomacy; war cabinet military policy; the climax of conflict. Appendix: the price of victory.