The amazing machines of human invention most often do our bidding with uncomplaining proficiency. But when they go wrong, they exact a terrible wage. In August 2000, the Russian submarine EM Kursk /EM glided through the depths of the Arctic Sea. But the demands of the Cold War had planted the seeds of disaster in this great shipโ118 men would pay with their lives. Their deaths would bring about an enormous step forward in Russiaโs evolving democracy. Based on James Chilesโs book EM Inviting Disaster /EM .