The Cold War period includes many high and low points for the two superpowers and the world as a whole.  Perhaps the greatest threat to all was the distinct possibility of nuclear annihilation.  While that didn’t occur, it could have, and some of these turning points we’ve considered may have made the difference.  The fact is that the jury is still out: some of the most well-informed scholars of our day disagree on the effects of various policies and decisions made by our Cold War presidents.  What may be still more important, however, are the lessons we should be applying to our post-Cold War world.  In what ways do our Cold War fears, our actions – or lack of action – inform present-day policies, from President Bush right down to you as a citizen and United States voter?