How did the concept of mutually assured destruction influence the Cold War?

Mutually assured destruction meant that if either the United States or the Soviet Union launched a nuclear attack, the other could retaliate, causing catastrophic destruction on both sides. This threat discouraged direct nuclear war and kept people aware of its devastating consequences. So the correct choice is D, “It reminded people that a nuclear war would be devastating for everyone.”

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.