Doctrine & strategy
MAD (Mutually Assured Destruction)
A Cold War strategic doctrine in which two or more nuclear-armed adversaries each possess sufficient retaliatory capability that any nuclear attack would result in their own destruction.
MAD relies on each side maintaining a credible second-strike capability — typically through hardened ICBM silos, strategic bombers, and ballistic-missile submarines. The logic is paradoxical: weapons exist precisely so that they will not be used. MAD is the implicit framework of the post-1960s nuclear standoff.
Related terms
Second Strike
The retaliatory nuclear capability remaining after absorbing an opponent's first strike — the foundation of deterrence under MAD.
First Strike
A nuclear attack intended to disarm an opponent before they can retaliate, by destroying their nuclear forces, command, and control.
Nuclear Deterrence
The strategy of preventing adversary action by maintaining a credible threat of unacceptable nuclear retaliation.
Nuclear Triad
A three-pronged nuclear force structure consisting of land-based ICBMs, submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and strategic bombers.