What was the Operation Able Archer?

Answer 1

Operation Able Archer was a NATO military exercise conducted in November 1983, simulating a coordinated response to a potential nuclear conflict during the Cold War. The exercise involved a series of realistic maneuvers, including the use of nuclear weapons, which led the Soviet Union to mistakenly perceive it as a possible cover for a genuine nuclear strike. This heightened tensions between the East and West, bringing the world closer to a nuclear confrontation. The incident highlighted the dangers of miscommunication and the potential for escalation during military exercises.