A Twist of History The Man Who Saved the World
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Sep 17, 2025 The Cuban Missile Crisis brought the world to the brink of nuclear disaster. A pivotal moment occurred on a Soviet submarine where a single officer's calm decision averted catastrophe. The episode delves into the tense atmosphere of the Cold War, highlighting critical choices made by President Kennedy and others. Furthermore, it honors the legacy of the officer whose bravery is celebrated posthumously, redefining heroism during one of humanity's most perilous times.
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Cold War Stakes Were Existential
- The Cuban Missile Crisis turned a geopolitical standoff into a real, immediate existential threat for humanity.
- Nuclear arsenals made indirect conflict dangerously close to total annihilation.
Kennedy's Morning Briefing
- President Kennedy learned from photos that Cuba had missile sites under construction only 90 miles from Florida.
- The discovery placed enormous pressure on the White House to choose a decisive response.
Crisis Decisions Require Diverse Counsel
- EXCOMM gathered varied advice showing crisis decisions combine military, diplomatic, and legal judgment.
- High-level debate exposed no single obvious correct path under nuclear risk.