Question

how were the policies of massive retaliation and brinkmanship different from previous military policies?

Answer 1

Brinkmanship is the practice of achieving an advantageous outcome by pushing an event to the brink of conflict with the enemy. It is mostly used in foreign policy, labor relations and military strategy. In brinkmanship the desired outcome is achieved by diplomatic maneuvers and creating the impression that one is capable to use extreme methods. The policy of retaliation is different from brinkmanship because retaliation is focused on inflicting maximum harm to the enemy.

Answer 2

Previous military policies had created massive killings throughout long years on a war of aggression. Brinkmanship, as showed in history was used to let another country stop its war through massive retaliation. It is a more dangerous option to use nuclear weapons as a sign of power and capability to kill more people including civilians in a fast mode.