[sehugg]

In theory, yes, MAD and Nash Equilibrium and all that.

In practice, people and government are irrational and make mistakes (most notably in 1983 when we almost destroyed the world due to a false alarm) -- and the cost of policing this theoretical balance of power costs a hell of a lot of resources that could be better spent doing more productive things.

[hcarvalhoalves]

> and the cost of policing this theoretical balance of power costs a hell of a lot of resources that could be better spent doing more productive things.

I don't think there's more productive use of resources than maintaining peace between big nations.

[windexh8er]

It's not productive if it's a facade. The reality is that a nation-state will eventually go for broke and play the card. Just a matter of time and, as stated, irrational players.