Long after the Cold War, fears of nuclear annihilation persist. The potential for nuclear catastrophe today is greater than it was during the Cold War. The first A-Bomb test in 1945 began the nuclear age, and the hydrogen bomb which followed accelerated it. Nuclear proliferation and anti war efforts conflicted until the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991. William Perry, US secretary of defence, 1994-97, describes nuclear detonations that almost happened through accident or miscommunication. 9 countries currently have operational nuclear weapons. The possibility of a terror group obtaining a nuclear device also poses a real threat.  Even a small, local nuclear battle would have global environmental and economic effects. Some people are preparing by building well-stocked nuclear bomb shelters. The Doomsday clock is ticking and Perry believes we must work towards a nuclear free future. It's not too late to stop the second nuclear arms race.