Current global events paint terrifying images. People watch helplessly as Russia continues its assault on Ukraine. Tensions remain high between Israel and Gaza. Rhetoric between these militaries include the use of nuclear weapons. Unfortunately, this threat is more realistic than it has been in decades. It’s terrifying to consider the unleashing of weapons of mass destruction, but despite the tremor there is hope. Governments in recent history were confronted by similar circumstances.

In October 1962 the world experienced a historical event — one that defined the 1960s as a decade and is still taught in universities today. This time is the closest humans have come to nuclear catastrophe. After viewing Soviet missile storage in mainland Cuba, U.S. President Kennedy was encouraged by military generals to invade the island nation. Thankfully, he refused the offer and instead implemented a blockade for any incoming Soviet ships. 

This encounter was one of many political and military confrontations between two global powers: the U.S.S.R. and the U.S. This conflict was not only fought out in places like Nicaragua, the Congo, Korea and, most notoriously, Vietnam. Instead, it was also an ideological war where the pair fought for global dominance. Both wanted to set the tone for the future. 

Despite the high stakes, a little-known historical figure can be credited with averting nuclear catastrophe. Soviet naval officer Vasily Arkhipov left a legacy of military heroism that can be ingrained into our minds even in today’s society. While deployed in a Soviet submarine, this officer was the only thing standing between the world and nuclear annihilation.

As American sailors dropped depth charges trying to force enemy subs to rise, Arkhipov’s submarine, according to The History of the Cuban Missile Crisis, believed World War III had begun. To further complicate, they were too deep to reach Moscow by radio. Considering that, both the commander and third in command agreed to launch a nuclear torpedo.

Fortunately, the deployment of the torpedo required a unanimous yes from all three men. Arkhipov refused, telling his comrades they must wait for further orders. He showed his foresight by preventing conflict without denying a direct order. Failure to comply would be a mutiny against the Kremlin and warrant court martial and imprisonment. In the end, his actions saved not only the U.S. and U.S.S.R., but the globe from nuclear catastrophe. 

In our present day, we find ourselves combating a similar threat. With North Korea, Ukraine and Israel, tensions are high. But when confronting this we can remember one thing: Not even the worst scenario could bring man to nuclear war. Not even poor communication at the worst time could take the world by storm. 

Now that younger generations have reached voting age, nuclear and foreign policy can easily be on the future ballot. I think we should be grateful and optimistic for our global futures. Despite recent events in North Korea, Ukraine and Israel, we can hold steadfast that leaders can still maintain their humanity.