A situation in which two states have enough weapons (typically nuclear) to ensure that should one launch an attack the other would be able to respond in a strong enough way to destroy the attacker. Both would be destroyed.
This situation is supposed to prevent either side from launching such an attack.
The Cold War between the USA and the USSR in the 20th Century is an example of such a situation.
This situation is supposed to prevent either side from launching such an attack.
The Cold War between the USA and the USSR in the 20th Century is an example of such a situation.
by Flame August 29, 2003
Get the mutually assured destruction mug.A term from the Cold War: Because the Soviet Union and the US could destroy each other peace was maintained by theis "mutually assured destruction."
by Robert Allen August 29, 2003
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Get the mutually assured destruction mug.by kymcleod October 12, 2003
Get the mutually assured destruction mug.A phrase, possibly coined by Arthur C. Clarke, to describe a situation where both parties can destroy the other, but not before the attacked party destroys the attacker.
by 256 September 3, 2003
Get the mutually assured destruction mug.'Mutually Assured' meaning both candidates are assured.
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