Journey Through Time 10. 1983: The World On The Brink (Ep 2)
May 14, 2025
In the tense backdrop of 1983, NATO's Operation Able Archer pushed Cold War anxieties to the brink. The Soviets, on high alert, mistook military exercises for signs of imminent attack. Listeners will discover the razor-thin line between readiness and catastrophe that nearly led to nuclear conflict. Key individuals' decisions during this perilous time help illuminate the magnitude of those fraught moments. This thrilling discussion sheds light on a largely forgotten chapter of history that reminds us how close we came to annihilation.
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Able Archer War Game Explained
- Operation Able Archer was a NATO war game designed to simulate escalation from conventional to nuclear war.
- Its increasing realism in 1983 included unprecedented steps, which alarmed the Soviets and made them fear an actual attack.
Changes Raised Soviet Alarm
- NATO changes in Operation Able Archer in 1983, like new communication codes and open radio channels, made the Soviets suspect a real nuclear attack.
- Soviet doctrine expected a nuclear first strike to be disguised as a military exercise, which heightened their fears.
Soviet Military Mobilization Response
- The Soviets began real military mobilization during Able Archer, placing bombers and fighter jets on alert, ready to launch nuclear strikes if ordered.
- Their reaction reflected deep paranoia, influenced by Cold War fears and recent history of missed early warnings.