Nuclear Arms Race

Definition

The nuclear arms race refers to the competition between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War to develop and acquire more nuclear weapons. Both countries engaged in an intense rivalry, continuously building up their nuclear arsenals.

Related terms

Deterrence: A strategy employed by both nations during the arms race, where they built up their nuclear capabilities to deter each other from initiating an attack.

MAD (Mutually Assured Destruction): A theory that suggests that both sides possessing enough nuclear weapons would prevent either side from launching an attack due to fear of complete annihilation.

Arms Control Treaty: Agreements between countries aimed at limiting or reducing the number of nuclear weapons in order to reduce tensions and promote peace.