How of the following best describes the idea of mutually assured destruction?

Answer 1

Mutually assured destruction (MAD) is a military strategy and framework of deterrence which posits that if two opposing sides possess the capability to inflict unacceptable damage on each other through nuclear weapons, neither will initiate conflict for fear of total annihilation. This doctrine suggests that the sheer threat of catastrophic retaliation prevents either side from launching a first strike. Therefore, MAD relies on the assumption that rational actors will prioritize survival over aggression.