Fail-Safe (novel)

"Fail-Safe" is a thought-provoking novel by Eugene Burdick and Harvey Wheeler that explores nuclear warfare and the risk of accidental catastrophe. It depicts a scenario where a technical error triggers an unintended nuclear attack, emphasizing the importance of fail-safe mechanisms—safety features designed to prevent accidents or limit damage if incoming threats occur. The story highlights how complex systems can fail despite safeguards, raising questions about human error, automation, and the delicate balance of security during tense geopolitical conflicts. Overall, it underscores the need for reliable safety measures in critical technologies to prevent catastrophic outcomes.