The world has seen numerous incidents in which accidents and errors have eroded safety measures and increased the risk of a nuclear launch.
The idea of an "accidental" nuclear war sounds absurd. But as the number of incidents catalogued in this fact sheet suggest, it's far more possible than it should be. A short list of commonsense policy changes, like removing "hair-trigger alert," could reduce the risk of accidental nuclear war, while still keeping the US safe.
In this report
Report
Leaders Urge Taking Weapons Off Hair-Trigger Alert
A surprising number of high-level politicians and generals have called for an end to hair-trigger alert.
Report
Frequently Asked Questions about Hair-Trigger Alert
Hair-trigger alert is a risky and outdated policy with serious implications for U.S. security.
Report
Progress on Nuclear Arms Control
Leaders have cut nuclear arsenals to levels not seen since the 1950s—but more remains to be done.
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