Our latest AI-generated episode explores Operation Unthinkable—a secret 1945 British plan to launch a surprise attack on the Soviet Union, just weeks after the end of World War II in Europe. The goal? To force Moscow into compliance with Western aims in Eastern Europe, particularly over Poland.
Declassified military documents reveal how close the world came to a direct Western-Soviet confrontation. The plan was ultimately shelved, but its legacy lived on in Cold War nuclear strategy—and remains deeply relevant today.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova recently invoked Operation Unthinkable, framing it as proof of the West’s enduring hostility toward Russia. Her comments reflect how historical memory continues to shape geopolitical narratives.
This episode connects a buried plan from the past to the tensions of today, revealing how the fear of war—unthinkable then and now—still shapes global politics.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!