Set during the Cold War, the novel presents a high-stakes geopolitical crisis. When the Soviet Union's wheat crop fails, leading to potential famine, the U.S. offers assistance in exchange for political concessions. However, the Soviet Politburo considers a more drastic solution: invading Western Europe to seize food supplies. World leaders are faced with a dire choice: allow a devastating war to save millions or permit the invasion to prevent widespread starvation. The narrative delves into espionage, political maneuvering, and moral dilemmas, characteristic of Forsyth's intricate storytelling.