Lecture Notes: The Role of Vasili Arkhipov in Preventing Nuclear War

Introduction

• The lecture covers a critical moment in human history during the Cuban Missile Crisis on October 27th, 1962.
• Described as the most dangerous moment in human history, which remained unknown for 40 years.

Background: Cuban Missile Crisis

• The crisis was a significant Cold War confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union.
• On this date, the US Navy detected the Soviet submarine B-59 in deep waters.

Incident on Soviet Submarine B-59

• The US Navy dropped depth charges to force the submarine to surface.
• B-59's crew, unaware of the situation, considered launching nuclear weapons.
  • Concern: If a nuclear war had started, launching their missiles was necessary.
  • Risk: If not, launching could initiate a nuclear war, possibly annihilating the northern hemisphere.

Loss of Communication

• B-59 was so deep underwater that it had lost radio contact with Moscow.
• Despite this, they were capable of launching a nuclear attack.

Protocol for Launching Nuclear Weapons

• Required a unanimous decision by the three highest-ranking officers on B-59.
• Captain Valentin Savitsky and the political officer voted to launch.

Vasili Arkhipov’s Critical Decision

• Vasili Arkhipov, second in command, played a crucial role.
• He hesitated and ultimately voted against launching nuclear weapons.
• His decision prevented a possible nuclear catastrophe.

Aftermath

• The submarine surfaced, exposing itself to the US Navy, and returned to Moscow.
• The crew was received with shame; it was believed they should have gone down with the ship rather than surrender.

Recognition of Arkhipov

• Arkhipov lived until 1998.
• In 2017, he was posthumously awarded the Future of Life Award.
  • Recognizes individuals who safeguard the future of life on Earth at personal risk.

Conclusion

• Arkhipov’s decision highlights the impact of individual choices in critical moments.
• His vote against launching nuclear weapons arguably saved humanity from a potential disaster.