What is the most severe non-ASB technological regression starting at the high point of techno-optimism?
Two scenarios I can imagine:
1) The old Cuban Missile War standby. But how much would this really be? Australia getting off scott-free. for example, might just change the world's leader into the information age.
2) Pandemic. But unless it was extreme, it would just free up resources for the survivors. Where does a disease become implausible in depopulation power?
Any other thoughts?
Can you keep 2019 at 1962 tech level?