The US has never really faced a peer that was both economically and militarily its equal. The USSR never was. China might end up that way.
Israel has had nuclear weapons since the mid 1960's, yet still fought two existential wars. Nuclear weapons aren't a panacea; if your opponent thinks you won't use them, then they're worse than useless.
The US has never really faced a peer that was both economically and militarily its equal. The USSR never was. China might end up that way.
Israel has had nuclear weapons since the mid 1960's, yet still fought two existential wars. Nuclear weapons aren't a panacea; if your opponent thinks you won't use them, then they're worse than useless.