Nuclear weapons in the 1980s: MAD versus NUTS. Mutual hostage relationship of the superpowers

Journal Article · · Foreign Aff.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5926170

Keeny, Jr, S M; Panofsky, W K.H.

Critics of the strategic relationship of Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD) developed during the 1960s claim it immorally holds entire civilian populations hostage. Some advocate the Nuclear Utilization Target Selection (NUTS) concept, while others argue for a defense-oriented military posture. The interrelationships of these concepts are examined against the background of stockpiled nuclear weapons capable of massive devastation, the technical limits to defense, and the uncertainty that a nuclear war could be controlled. The evidence shows that a MAD world prevails despite NUTS proposals, which may have increased the danger by giving nuclear war the illusion of acceptability. (DCK)

• Research Organization: National Academy of Sciences, Washington, DC
• OSTI ID: 5926170
• Journal Information: Foreign Aff.; (United States), Vol. 60:2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
WARFARE
CIVIL DEFENSE
NATIONAL DEFENSE
WEAPONS
290600* - Energy Planning & Policy- Nuclear Energy
990500 - Civilian Defense- (-1987)