> MAD policy

MAD is still going strong. It's not military based, but economical.

It's the reason why theories about intentional release of COVID-19 are bunk.

China is worse off than it would have been without the virus.

Same goes for nukes. If Xi or Putin decide to nuke the US , people will assault their palaces in 3-6 months for food and water. Even if the US somehow fails to respond.

The global economy is interconnected to a degree that makes it impossible for a leader to order a nuclear attack and not have his own people remove him violently