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Could anyone in his right mind speak seriously of any limited nuclear war? It should be quite clear that the aggressor's actions will instantly and inevitably trigger a devastating counterstroke by the other side. None but completely irresponsible people could maintain that a nuclear war may be made to follow rules adopted beforehand, with nuclear missiles exploding in a 'gentlemanly manner' over strictly designated targets and sparing the population.

Dmitriy Ustinov#1

WarNuclearPeaceStrategy

About this quote

What does it mean?
Limited nuclear war is impossible because any attack triggers an immediate, total retaliatory strike.
In plain terms
Nuclear war cannot be limited; one side will always strike back fully.
What can you take from it?
Avoid nuclear conflict; it cannot be controlled.

Where it applies

  • military strategy
  • policy
  • dissuasion

Putting it to work

  • arms control
  • diplomacy
  • peace advocacy

Questions to consider

  • Can nuclear war ever be limited?
  • What stops nuclear attacks?

Another view

Some argue limited tactical use is theoretically possible.

More from Dmitriy Ustinov

  1. If the present White House leadership runs the gauntlet of common sense and the people's will for peace and challenges us by starting MX missile deployment, th…

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  2. Frankly, we doubt the veracity and seriousness of the United States in regard to achieving results that would be acceptable to both sides in Geneva.

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  3. The aggressor too should know that the preemptive use of nuclear weapons would not insure victory. With modern detection systems and the combat readiness of th…

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