In the context of the Cold War, Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) is related to which of the following?

Correct option is A

Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) is a principle relating to a military strategy that emerged during the Cold War. It is based on the concept that a full-scale nuclear war between two superpowers (primarily the United States and the Soviet Union) would result in the total annihilation of both the attacker and the defender. This doctrine acted as a deterrent, preventing either side from launching a nuclear strike.
Information Booster:
1. Key Features of MAD:
· Both sides possess sufficient nuclear weapons to destroy each other.
· Any first strike would invite a devastating retaliatory strike, ensuring mutual destruction.
· Prevented nuclear war during the Cold War despite heightened tensions.
2. Relevance in the Cold War:
· Integral to U.S. and Soviet Union military doctrines.
· Strengthened by advancements like Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) and Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs).
3. Criticism of MAD:
· Relied on rational behavior by all actors, which could not always be guaranteed.
· Heightened the arms race, leading to stockpiling of massive nuclear arsenals.