Protect and Survive-The War That Never Came

Hi all,
I know there have been a number of these, but here’s another thread inspired by the brilliant Protect and Survive TL.

Anyone who has read it will know the build-up to the Nuclear war lasts about 6 months, a lot more gradual than the escalation of the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Let’s say the build-up in the Protect and Survive TL still happens, but at the last minute (preferably in mid February 84, or as late as possible) war is averted somehow?

How does this affect the rest of the cold war?
What are the political, social and economic consequences for the world, both in the short and long term?
 
the way the utterly brilliant P+S stories are written I cant see a way out:mad:
There might be some back channel communication going on as there was in 1962 and this may give access to certain sections of the Russian military who can be under no illusions as to the outcome of any conflict. This would have been tried by both sides ,presumably without any positive outcome
Alas there comes a time when logic and self preservation just dont matter
 
the way the utterly brilliant P+S stories are written I cant see a way out:mad:
There might be some back channel communication going on as there was in 1962 and this may give access to certain sections of the Russian military who can be under no illusions as to the outcome of any conflict. This would have been tried by both sides ,presumably without any positive outcome
Alas there comes a time when logic and self preservation just dont matter

Hmmm I understand what you're saying, but there was a pretty heavy turnover of Soviet leaders at the time and it's not hard to imagine the stress of the oncoming comflict speeding up the deaths of some of the old-guard, making way for a reluctant reformer like Gorby. Preventing the war at that stage could be tricky, but not impossible.

Anyway, let's say this scenario happens-what are the affects?
 

Nebogipfel

Monthly Donor
Needless to say that this would most probably the most memorable (and traumatizing) event for almost anyone in Europe, North America and the SU.
Something like a collective near-death experience. This should have consequences, connecting people on the long term more than dividing them.
Also a meme deeply ingrained in popular culture.

Also there would be significant losses of life already without fighting - mass panic, people fleeing cities etc. Plus massive economic damage.

There would be a strong reluctance to go that far again.
 
You would probably see more dedIcated efforts towards arms limitation, including reductions, construction holidays, technical limitations. Also, probably an attemPt at normalizing relations between east and west, depending on what the soviets do next.
 
The only way that I can see the P&S scenario being halted in its tracks (ie just before the shooting starting between the Soviet Union & NATO) would be via a military coup. Very Tom Clancy, I admit, but its the only practical option that I can see.
 
A far more interesting scenario would be for the war to stay purely conventional until either a stalemate is reached or the Warsaw pact is thrown back east of the Iron Curtain.
 
A far more interesting scenario would be for the war to stay purely conventional until either a stalemate is reached or the Warsaw pact is thrown back east of the Iron Curtain.

Doesn't this require magic, given that both sides planned on using WMDs from the getgo?
 
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