What would it have been like to prepare for the unthinkable – the outbreak of nuclear war?
During the Cold War, governments across the world quietly developed plans to ensure survival, continuity, and recovery in the face of a potential nuclear strike. These strategies were rarely spoken about publicly, yet they shaped policy, infrastructure, and even the psychology of generations.
On Thursday 18 September 2025, between 1800 and 1900 BST, you’ll have the chance to explore this extraordinary history in a free Cold War Network webinar hosted on Microsoft Teams called Planning for Nuclear War. The session brings together two leading experts: Rowena Willard-Wright, a historian specialising in the UK’s civil defence planning, and Duncan Campbell, an investigative journalist and author renowned for his work uncovering intelligence operations and national security issues.
Together, they’ll dive into how the UK braced for nuclear war – uncovering stories of secret bunkers, the role of Orford Ness and international signal stations, as well as the high-stakes decisions faced by civil servants and military leaders. Attendees will gain insight not only into the practical measures but also into the moral and political dilemmas that came with preparing for such a catastrophic scenario.
This webinar is designed for a wide audience: history enthusiasts, students of international relations, policy professionals, and anyone curious about the hidden stories of Cold War Britain. More than a history lesson, it is a reminder of how governments grapple with existential threats and how those decisions continue to influence today’s approach to national security and crisis management.
Whether you’re interested in Cold War history, civil defence, or simply want to understand how close we came to the edge, this is a unique opportunity to learn from two experts with complementary perspectives.
Click here to reserve your free place today on Eventbrite!
