Dictionary

balance of terror en · NOUN

Etymology

Probably coined by Lester Pearson in June 1955 at the 10th anniversary of the signing of the UN Charter: “The balance of terror has succeeded the balance of power.”

Meanings

1. (historical) The tenuous peace that existed during the nuclear arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

Relateds

nuclear deterrence · if you want peace, prepare for war · mutual assured destruction

Translations (5)

fr équilibre de la terreur (The tenuous peace that existed during the nuclear arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.) · sv terrorbalans (The tenuous peace that existed during the nuclear arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.) · cmn 恐怖平衡 (The tenuous peace that existed during the nuclear arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.) · pl równowaga strachu (The tenuous peace that existed during the nuclear arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.) · fi kauhun tasapaino (The tenuous peace that existed during the nuclear arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.)