The only rational response to that would be a nuclear attack on Moscow. Likely, though, he just wants to make you think he’s that crazy. Madness is a major component of MAD.
Indeed. A responsive deterrent is only a deterrent if you believe the other person will absolutely, 100%-of-the-time, without-blinking-an-eye execute the strike.
If you think they might not, because ethics and morals, then the deterrent's value is discounted by your percentage of doubt.
If you think they might not, because ethics and morals, then the deterrent's value is discounted by your percentage of doubt.