Can a mistranslation trigger a global conflict?
We explore this possibility by delving into the theory of a “World War Zero” in the Bronze Age and the real-world consequences of mistranslated diplomatic terms in the Budapest Memorandum. Misunderstanding the difference between “assurances” and “guarantees” may have cost Ukraine its nuclear weapons deterrent—and perhaps its safety. The episode ends with a sobering look at what this means for nuclear-armed states today.
Prefer the article: Could a Translation Snafu Spawn World War Four?
