Mutual Assured Destruction
Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD)
Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD) means that in a nuclear war, both sides would be destroyed.
This idea developed after both the United States and the Soviet Union gained powerful long-range nuclear weapons such as ICBMs.
Core logic:
- neither side could truly “win”
- fear of total destruction discouraged direct war
Warning
MAD = 相互确保毁灭，一种以“共同毁灭”为基础的威慑平衡
MAD became a key reason the Cold War remained “cold” between the two superpowers.