During the Cold War, the arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union significantly heightened tensions as both superpowers sought to build and expand their nuclear arsenals. Each nation viewed the other's military advancements as a direct threat, leading to a pervasive climate of fear and suspicion. The competition not only involved stockpiling weapons but also developed advanced delivery systems, further escalating the stakes. Additionally, the doctrine of mutually assured destruction (MAD) created a paradox where both sides built up their arsenals, yet remained afraid to engage in direct conflict, resulting in proxy wars and heightened geopolitical tensions globally. This environment of distrust and escalating military capabilities set the stage for numerous crises, including the Cuban Missile Crisis, which brought the world to the brink of nuclear war.
In three or five sentences, describe how the arm race during the Cold War increased tensions.
1 answer