Nuclear Weapons in Crisis Situations

Abstract Why did the Soviet Union and the United States refrain from using nuclear weapons during Cold War crises, and what can we learn from their restraint in navigating today’s confrontation fraught with nuclear threats? This paper examines the crucial lessons from Cold War nuclear standoffs to provide insight into the growing nuclear risks in today’s geopolitical landscape, particularly in the context of Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine. By analysing the Berlin and Cuban Missile Crises, the study explores how both sides pursued military-political confrontation under the threat of nuclear annihilation. Drawing parallels between these historical events and current tensions, the paper concludes with how Cold War nuclear strategies and crisis management could potentially guide present-day efforts to reduce the risk of nuclear conflict.