Answer: A nuke is a weapon of mass destruction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Everyone is aware of the potential danger a nuke or multiple nukes pose on the threat to the country, or even the entire human race. Even the aftermath itself leaves the controlled area to be unfit for survival for years or even decades after.
For reference -
- The smallest nuke - W54, had an equivalent of around 1,000 tons of tnt.
- The largest nuke - Tsar Bomba had around 50,000,000 tons of tnt.
While the question of morality and ethics come into play when allowing these catastrophic to be activated during war-time, they are often used as a intimidation factor making other countries think twice before attacking them. The most notable examples being the U.S. and Russia.
In regards to a potential WW3, lieutenant colonel Stanislav Petrov is most recognized as having prevented it through his decision of not launching a nuclear strike as a result of a technical malfunction.