It is hard to explain to people today how scary nuclear war was during the Cold War. It wasn’t so much just that we were in real jeopardy of starting a deliberate nuclear war: it was the fact that we were heartbeats away from doing one by accident, and nearly did a couple of times [1]. It was standard for kids in elementary school to discuss the implications (at least we didn’t bother with duck and cover when I grew up, since politicians realized that was pointless.) Maybe we’re still in the same place (or will be again soon) but today’s atmosphere is nowhere near as scary.

[1] https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanislav_Petrov

Sure, but after like only one decade of halcyon optimism 9/11 happened and thousands were killed on American soil, leading to over a decade of paranoia and political-infighting which then petered out to become… more paranoia and infighting, except even more self-directed. It seems like in America the fear is more personal than ever.

Hey, on the bright side the nuclear winter will cancel out global warming.

There's not been many studies, but no, it probably won't. A nuclear winter would involve heavy dust and soot, that won't stay up in the air for very long. After that settles down, the net effect is just more CO2 from all the burning, and CO2 is an oxide, it is very very stable...

Plus, we get power armor and catchy tunes on the radio.

And disinformation, and greater wealth inequality, and “AI taking our jobs” and all other forms of doomerism.

well after the Ukraine stroke radar target inside the Russia. Risk of nuclear war might have gone higher,, at least temporarily. And nuclear war Means turning earth into Venus or Mars twin. USA can decide how much support is too much support and how small support is too small support, because too little support might lead Russia attacking NATO countries event without needing to occupate but the much support can just lead to termination of All life on earth.