Wednesday 26th Mar 2025
St John’s Place, Lower Road, Bemerton, SP2 9NP
7.30-9.30pm
In this compelling talk, Max Hastings delves into the harrowing events of the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, a period when the world teetered on the brink of nuclear annihilation. Drawing from his meticulously researched book Abyss, Hastings offers a vivid narrative that captures the tension, fear, and high-stakes diplomacy of those thirteen days in October.
Hastings will explore the perspectives of key figures such as U.S. President John F. Kennedy, Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev, and Cuban leader Fidel Castro, as well as the experiences of ordinary citizens caught in the geopolitical crossfire. He will discuss the strategic miscalculations, secret communications, and near-catastrophic decisions that defined the crisis.
The talk will also highlight the broader implications of the crisis, including its impact on U.S.-Soviet relations, the evolution of nuclear deterrence, and the lessons it holds for contemporary global security challenges. Hastings will reflect on how the Cuban Missile Crisis remains a stark reminder of the fragility of peace and the importance of cautious, informed leadership in times of international tension.
Entrance for members is included in your annual subscription. For non-members, entrance is £10 (cash, card or cheque) at the door.
There is a small car park and lay-by opposite St John’s Place on Lower Road (for approx. 20 cars). Parking is also allowed on single yellow lines on Lower Road after 6pm. Alternative car parking is available at The Clubhouse, Salisbury and South Wilts Sports Club (SP2 9NY) and a pathway connects to St John’s Place.