Cold War episode 12 – MAD 1960-1972 – Throughout the 1960s, the United States and the Soviet Union find themselves embroiled in a perilous nuclear standoff, both keenly aware that attacking the other could incite retaliation and result in self-destruction. This precarious balance leads to the evolution of nuclear strategy, known as Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD), in which both sides face assured annihilation in the event of nuclear war. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, America’s policy of targeting Soviet military bases as a deterrent to war proves to be ineffective. Consequently, U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara conceives a new deterrent policy called MAD, or Mutually Assured Destruction.
In response, both the Americans and the Soviets embark on a relentless pursuit of testing and constructing more nuclear weapons, including submarines capable of striking in the event that one side decimates the other. Adopting a defensive approach, the Soviets develop an anti-ballistic missile, prompting the United States to counter this by creating multiple independent warheads. The danger of the arms race becomes apparent in the Palomares incident.
Nevertheless, hope for de-escalation arises as both sides sign the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) Treaty. Key insights from Episode 12 are provided through interviews with Russell E. Dougherty, William Kaufmann, and Harold Brown.
Cold War episode 12 – MAD 1960-1972
A Tense Period in Global History
The 1960s and early 1970s were marked by a precarious balance of power between the United States and the Soviet Union. Both superpowers were heavily invested in the nuclear arms race, leading to the development of the Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD) doctrine. This tense period in global history saw the world teetering on the brink of nuclear war, with both nations acutely aware of the consequences of attacking the other.
The inception of MAD can be traced back to the escalating arms race between the two superpowers. The United States and the Soviet Union both sought to expand their nuclear arsenals, driven by the belief that the possession of a larger number of nuclear weapons would deter the other side from launching an attack. This belief led to a situation where the global landscape was fraught with tension and the constant threat of nuclear annihilation.
In this article and video, we’ll explore the concept of MAD, its historical context, and the potential for de-escalation during the Cold War.
The Evolution of MAD and its Underlying Principles
Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD) was a nuclear strategy based on the notion that if either the United States or the Soviet Union were to launch a nuclear attack on the other, both nations would suffer catastrophic damage, leading to their mutual destruction. The concept was predicated on the idea that the fear of annihilation would be a powerful deterrent to war between the superpowers.
The key principles of MAD included second-strike capability and the concept of “overkill.” Second-strike capability referred to the ability of a nation to retaliate with a devastating nuclear counterattack even if its own nuclear forces were destroyed in a first strike. Overkill referred to the notion that both sides possessed more than enough nuclear weapons to destroy each other several times over, further reinforcing the deterrent effect of MAD.
MAD was seen as a stabilising force during the Cold War, as it maintained a delicate balance of power between the two superpowers. The doctrine, while grim, acted as a deterrent to direct conflict, as both sides understood that a full-scale nuclear war would result in their mutual destruction.
The Impact of MAD on International Relations
During the height of the Cold War, the MAD doctrine played a significant role in shaping international relations. The precarious balance of power created by MAD had several implications, including a heightened focus on diplomatic negotiations and arms control agreements.
One such example of diplomacy in action was the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. The crisis demonstrated that the United States’ policy of targeting Soviet military bases as a deterrent to war was ineffective. It was during this period that U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara conceived the idea of MAD as a more effective deterrent strategy.
The development and testing of nuclear weapons continued throughout the 1960s and early 1970s, with both the United States and the Soviet Union investing in submarine-launched ballistic missiles and other advanced weaponry. The arms race also saw the Soviets develop an anti-ballistic missile system, prompting the United States to counter with multiple independent warheads.
The Path Towards De-Escalation
Despite the inherent danger of the arms race, the period between 1960 and 1972 also saw some efforts to reduce tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union. The Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) Treaty, signed in 1972, marked a significant step towards the de-escalation of nuclear tensions.
The SALT Treaty limited the number of strategic offensive weapons each side could possess, representing a mutual recognition of the need to prevent further escalation of the arms race. Interviews with key figures from the era, such as Russell E. Dougherty, William Kaufmann, and Harold Brown, provide valuable insights into the motivations and perspectives of those involved in shaping nuclear policy during this critical period.
Another example of de-escalation was the implementation of confidence-building measures, which aimed to reduce the likelihood of accidental nuclear war. These included the establishment of direct communication links between Washington and Moscow, known as the “red telephone,” and the exchange of information on missile tests and military manoeuvres.
Despite these efforts, the potential for catastrophe remained, as demonstrated by incidents such as the 1966 Palomares event, in which a mid-air collision between a US B-52 bomber and a KC-135 tanker led to the accidental release of four nuclear bombs over Spain. Thankfully, none of the bombs detonated, but the incident served as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in the arms race.
The Legacy of MAD and Lessons for the Future
The era of Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD) serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked military escalation and the importance of diplomacy in international relations. While the MAD doctrine may have prevented a full-scale nuclear conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union, it also left the world on the precipice of disaster for several decades.
The lessons of the MAD era are still relevant today, as global powers continue to grapple with the challenges of nuclear proliferation and disarmament. Efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and reduce existing arsenals remain crucial for ensuring global stability and reducing the risk of a catastrophic conflict.
As we reflect on the historical context of MAD, it is essential to remember the importance of diplomacy and dialogue in preventing the escalation of international tensions. By fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding, we can work towards a future in which the threat of nuclear war is consigned to the annals of history.
In conclusion, the concept of Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD) played a pivotal role in shaping the international landscape during the Cold War. Despite its grim implications, the doctrine served as a deterrent to full-scale nuclear conflict, while also highlighting the importance of diplomacy and arms control in reducing global tensions. The lessons of the MAD era remain relevant today, as we continue to strive for a world free from the threat of nuclear annihilation.
CNN’s Cold War Documentary Series: An In-Depth Look at a Tumultuous Era
Exploring the Origins of the CNN Cold War Series
The CNN Cold War documentary series takes viewers on a riveting journey through one of the most contentious periods in modern history. Spanning 24 episodes, this critically acclaimed series delves deep into the political, social, and cultural aspects of the global struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union that defined the latter half of the 20th century.
Produced by Jeremy Isaacs, who also helmed the seminal World at War series, the Cold War project was a massive undertaking, involving countless hours of research, interviews with key figures, and the unearthing of rare archival footage. The result is an unparalleled visual and historical experience that sheds light on the complexities and nuances of the era.
The Scope and Structure of the CNN Cold War Documentary
Each of the 24 episodes in the CNN Cold War series focuses on a specific aspect or event within the broader conflict, weaving together personal testimonies, expert analysis, and previously unseen footage to paint a vivid picture of the period. Key themes explored throughout the series include the ideological divide between communism and capitalism, the nuclear arms race, espionage, and proxy wars in various regions across the globe.
By tackling the subject matter in a thematic and chronological manner, the series offers viewers a comprehensive understanding of the numerous factors that contributed to the escalation of tensions and the ultimate resolution of the conflict. From the early days of the post-World War II power struggle to the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union, the Cold War series provides an unparalleled look into the forces that shaped our world.
Expert Perspectives and Personal Testimonies in the Cold War Series
One of the defining features of the CNN Cold War documentary is its inclusion of firsthand accounts from a diverse range of individuals who played key roles or were directly affected by the events of the era. The series features interviews with political leaders, military personnel, intelligence agents, and everyday citizens from both sides of the Iron Curtain.
These personal testimonies add a human dimension to the story, revealing the emotional impact of the Cold War on individuals and families caught in the crossfire. By presenting a balanced and unbiased view of events, the series encourages viewers to consider multiple perspectives and draw their own conclusions about the causes and consequences of the conflict.
Unearthing Rare Archival Footage
Another notable aspect of the CNN Cold War series is the extensive use of previously unseen archival footage, which brings the events of the era to life in a visually captivating way. The production team went to great lengths to source rare film and photographic material from a wide range of sources, including government archives, newsreels, and private collections.
This wealth of visual material, much of it previously unknown to Western audiences, offers a unique insight into the inner workings of the rival superpowers and the key moments that defined the Cold War. From the Berlin Wall to the Cuban Missile Crisis, the series presents a vivid and immersive visual experience that transports viewers back in time.
The Lasting Impact of the CNN Cold War Documentary Series
The CNN Cold War series stands as an essential resource for understanding the political, social, and cultural forces that shaped the world during the second half of the 20th century. Its combination of expert analysis, personal testimonies, and rare footage offers a comprehensive and engaging account of a complex and tumultuous era.
As we continue to grapple with the legacy of the Cold War and its implications for contemporary international relations, the insights and lessons gleaned from this landmark documentary series remain as relevant and instructive as ever.