This monograph analyzes and draws conclusions from the confrontation in 1982 between Argentina and the United Kingdom over the Falkland Islands by examining what happened in contrast to some of the models and theories of contemporary diplomatic historians and political scientists. The Falklands affair met in all respects the classic definition of a crisis: a situation characterized by surprise, a high threat to important values, and short decision time. A crisis is instant history, which invites instant criticism from participants and policy-makers. Co-published with the Harvard Center for International Affairs.