Part 4/7:
Furthermore, the Soviets reportedly contemplated using nuclear weapons against China during their border skirmishes in the late 1960s. While these instances are often not part of public discourse, they highlight how close the world has come to nuclear warfare on multiple occasions, often driven by misunderstandings or the intensity of Cold War conflicts.
Luck and Human Error: The Uncertain Safeguards
The consensus among experts is that luck has played a crucial role in preventing a nuclear catastrophe thus far. The complex web of political tensions, technological safeguards, and the cautious decision-making of leaders have all contributed to avoiding disaster. However, the commentator emphasizes that this is not a reason to feel calm or complacent.