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December 22, 2017

Human Error in Volatile Situations

Even the best laid plans can go catastrophically wrong when humans get involved. This week, people bungle simple operations on some of the most dangerous weapons in the world.

A Titan II missile silo.

Ralph Crane/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

Prologue

Ira tells the little known story about one of the times we almost began a nuclear war with the Soviet Union—by accident. (2 minutes)