Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD)

Definition

Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) is a military doctrine and strategy in which the use of nuclear weapons by two or more opposing sides would result in the complete annihilation of both belligerents. The concept is based on the premise that the threat of massive retaliation will deter nuclear attacks, as the consequences would be catastrophic for all involved.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mutually Assured Destruction was a key strategy during the Cold War, as the United States and Soviet Union built up massive nuclear arsenals to deter each other from launching a first strike.
2. The concept of MAD was based on the idea that a nuclear attack would lead to a devastating retaliatory strike, resulting in the complete destruction of both sides.
3. MAD encouraged both the US and USSR to develop advanced early warning systems and secure second-strike capabilities to ensure the survivability of their nuclear forces.
4. The threat of MAD led to the development of policies such as the doctrine of 'flexible response,' which aimed to provide more options for nuclear escalation short of full-scale retaliation.
5. The fear of MAD was a driving factor behind the nuclear arms race, as both superpowers sought to maintain a credible deterrent and achieve nuclear superiority.

Review Questions

• Explain how the concept of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) influenced the nuclear strategies of the United States and Soviet Union during the Cold War.
  • The concept of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) was a key factor in shaping the nuclear strategies of the United States and Soviet Union during the Cold War. MAD was based on the premise that the use of nuclear weapons by either side would result in the complete annihilation of both, deterring either country from launching a first strike. This led the two superpowers to build up massive nuclear arsenals and develop advanced early warning systems and secure second-strike capabilities to ensure the survivability of their nuclear forces. The fear of MAD was a driving force behind the nuclear arms race, as both the US and USSR sought to maintain a credible deterrent and achieve nuclear superiority over the other.
• Analyze the role of the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) in addressing the threat of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) during the Cold War.
  • The Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) were diplomatic negotiations between the United States and Soviet Union during the Cold War that aimed to limit the growth of their nuclear arsenals and address the threat of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD). Through the SALT agreements, the two superpowers sought to establish a balance of power and reduce the risk of a nuclear war by placing restrictions on the development and deployment of certain nuclear weapons. The SALT process was a critical step in trying to manage the nuclear arms race and the potential for catastrophic consequences of MAD, even if it did not ultimately lead to the complete elimination of nuclear weapons. The negotiations demonstrated the recognition by both the US and USSR of the need to find ways to mitigate the dangers posed by their massive nuclear stockpiles and the doctrine of Mutually Assured Destruction.
• Evaluate how the concept of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) influenced the development of nuclear deterrence strategies and policies during the Cold War.
  • The concept of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) was a central factor in shaping the nuclear deterrence strategies and policies of the United States and Soviet Union during the Cold War. MAD, with its premise of complete annihilation of both sides in the event of a nuclear exchange, drove the two superpowers to develop advanced early warning systems, secure second-strike capabilities, and policies like 'flexible response' to provide more options for nuclear escalation short of full-scale retaliation. The fear of MAD was a key motivator behind the nuclear arms race, as both the US and USSR sought to maintain a credible deterrent and achieve nuclear superiority. At the same time, the recognition of the catastrophic consequences of MAD led to diplomatic efforts like the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) to try to manage the nuclear threat and establish a balance of power. Overall, the concept of MAD had a profound influence on the nuclear strategies and policies that defined the Cold War era, shaping both the arms buildup and the attempts to limit it.

Related terms

Nuclear Deterrence: The strategy of using the threat of nuclear retaliation to prevent an adversary from attacking with nuclear weapons.

Nuclear Arms Race: The rapid buildup of nuclear weapons by multiple countries in an effort to gain strategic advantage or maintain a balance of power.

Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT): Diplomatic negotiations between the United States and Soviet Union during the Cold War to limit the growth of their nuclear arsenals.