What idea discouraged nuclear war by suggesting that a nuclear attack by one power would result in devastating retaliation by all sides?

• A. MAD / Mutually Assured Destruction
• B. Deterrence Theory
• C. Nuclear Parity
• D. Arms Control

Answer: (A)

Mutually Assured Destruction is the idea that if one power launches a nuclear attack, others would respond with devastating retaliation, making war between nuclear-armed states irrational. This relies on credible second-strike capability—each side knowing it can devastate the other even after being struck first. Because the potential damage is so catastrophic for all involved, leaders are deterred from initiating a nuclear conflict.

Deterrence theory speaks to preventing aggression through threats in general, but MAD is the specific nuclear-level mechanism that explains why such a war would be avoided. Nuclear parity and arms control relate to balance of power and reducing arsenals, respectively, but the scenario described is best explained by the deterrent effect of assured, catastrophic retaliation.