Such grisly concepts can be dispensed with, or should be dispensed with. The price is too terrible. Confrontation must be avoided, engagement must be embraced. When I made mention of a possible larger threat our policymakers were incredulous. One professor from the National War College became very upset when I suggested that our current policies were paving the way to a nuclear world war.
Countries decide policy on a rational basis.
And clouds are made of cotton candy. Big wars are a thing of the past. We are the lone superpower. If they are right in their analysis the future of humanity looks good. And I hope they are right, even though this would make me look like a major fool.