ABSTRACT
The possible reasons for a switch from conventional to nuclear war are therefore manifold: NATO’s own situation may have become so disadvantageous that only nuclear means are considered capable of restoring it or the enemy’s situation is such that a display of nuclear force would quickly end the war. The problem facing the defence is even more complicated if its losses in men and equipment during the conventional phase have been such that it feels compelled to resort to nuclear weapons. The one who is more successful on the battlefield has a certain element of choice that the other side lacks: he has a good chance to bring the war to an end before nuclear weapons are used by either side, by offering reasonable peace terms. He might choose this course in order to avoid a nuclear holocaust in his own country, and his opponent, motivated by the same fear may come to terms with him.
