MAD (Mutually Assured Destruction)

Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) is a strategic doctrine during the Cold War where two or more nuclear powers possess enough weapons to destroy each other completely. The idea is that if one side launches a nuclear attack, the other would respond with equal or greater force, ensuring total destruction for both. This balance of destructive capability acts as a deterrent, preventing any side from initiating conflict. Essentially, MAD relies on the understanding that mutual annihilation is so catastrophic that no rational actor would resort to nuclear war, maintaining a tense but stable peace.