Erik, the reverse is also true. INACTION can also lead to escalation. This happened in World War II where Hitler was allowed expand the war because he was not meeting resistance.

With the war in Ukraine, the use of nuclear weapons HAS to be part of the equation. That doesn't mean that we will use them but they actually serve no defensive purpose if we rule them out.

I think the question needs answering. Are we safer from Putin's use of nuclear weapons by engaging the full force of NATO and ousting Putin from Ukraine or continue to do what we are doing at the risk of Putin having some kind of victory and returning for another bite somewhere else?

Many thanks. Thoughtful article.