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What could have resulted from a wrong decision by Petrov?

Limited conflict
Diplomatic tension
Global nuclear war
Economic sanctions

Answer

Global nuclear war could have resulted from a wrong decision by Petrov. As a Soviet officer in 1983, Petrov was responsible for monitoring a nuclear early warning system. When the system falsely detected an incoming nuclear attack, Petrov made the fateful decision to disobey orders and not report it to his superiors. This decision effectively prevented a retaliatory nuclear strike and averted a potential global catastrophe.