October, 1962. For 13 days the United States and Soviet Union came perilously close to nuclear war. We look back at lessons learned and how both superpowers managed to avoid a human catastrophe.

Sixty years ago, the world was on the brink of nuclear war during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Today, when humanity is threatened by the stockpile of nuclear warheads and armed conflicts, the unforgettable events in 1962 are a relevant reminder of an important lesson in human history.

Joining the discussion:

• Cristina Escobar is a Cuban journalist and political analyst.
• Peter Kuznick is a history professor and the director of American University’s Nuclear Studies Institute.
• Pavel Felgenhauer is a defense analyst and columnist for Novaya Gazeta.
• Luis Chirino is a CGTN correspondent.

The Cuban missile crisis began 60 years ago today.

Over 13 days, the U.S. and Soviet Union were at the brink of a nuclear conflict. But new details have emerged since then. Here's what you might not know.https://t.co/eSq8OCcyqx

— NPR (@NPR) October 16, 2022

Misrepresentations of President John F. Kennedy’s decision-making in the Cuban missile crisis set the stage for a generation of U.S. foreign policy based on inaccurate lessons. https://t.co/7ofqe4sBHp

— Foreign Policy (@ForeignPolicy) October 18, 2022

60 years ago today, the Cuban missile crisis began as President John F. Kennedy was informed that reconnaissance photographs had revealed the presence of missile bases in Cuba. | Photo Bill Allen pic.twitter.com/0ZDD8kXZdJ

— AP Images (@AP_Images) October 16, 2022