Until recently, it seemed that humanity was forever rid of the horror of nuclear war and total destruction. However, now the previous fears come to life again. In recent years, they are increasingly talking about the return of the threat of the atomic Apocalypse. Accusing Russia of "rattling nuclear weapons," the West is preparing to launch a "preemptive strike." And the lessons of the Cold War are more relevant today than ever. How did the United States and the USSR plan to conduct hostilities with the use of atomic weapons and how did these plans change over time? What kind of Doomsday scenarios were developed at military headquarters, in the Kremlin and Washington? Is it worth believing predictions about the death of humanity in the event of an exchange of nuclear strikes - or is the danger exaggerated for propaganda purposes? What impact did this "existential threat" have on the mass consciousness and culture of the 20th century? And is there a chance to win the atomic war today?