Cognitive Scaffold

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MENTAL MODEL · M2269

Mutual Assured Destruction, MAD

Mutual Assured Destruction, MAD
DecideHigh supportGame Theory
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

A Nash equilibrium state. If both sides possess nuclear weapons capable of destroying each other and have 'second-strike' capability (the ability to retaliate after being attacked), then no side dares to start a war. The result is that the era with the most powerful weapons of destruction actually brought the longest peace (the Cold War). -

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Peace brought by deterrence. - In the workplace or business, 'peace' is often not based on goodwill, but on the deterrence of 'I have the ability to destroy you, but I choose not to'. The best way to avoid being bullied is not to show weakness, but to display your 'nuclear button' (core resources, legal means, destructive power).

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

MAD: In the nuclear age, if both sides have second-strike capability, a full-scale war would inevitably lead to mutual destruction, which in turn deters the initiation of war.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

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    zh.wikipedia.orghttps://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E7%9B%B8%E4%BA%92%E4%BF%9D%E8%AD%89%E6%AF%80%E6%BB%85ZH · Explicit
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