In the given question, a statement of Assertion is followed by a statement of Reason. Mark the correct answer.

Assertion: When two rival powers are in possession of nuclear weapons capable of inflicting death and destruction unacceptable to each other, a full-fledged war is the most likely.

Reason: In spite of provocations, neither side would want to risk war since no political gains would justify the destruction of their societies.

The Assertion is incorrect but the Reason is correct.

While the Cold War was an outcome of the emergence of the US and the USSR as two superpowers rival to each other, it was also rooted in the understanding that the destruction caused by the use of atom bombs is too costly for any country to bear. The logic is simple yet powerful. When two rival powers are in possession of nuclear weapons capable of inflicting death and destruction unacceptable to each other, a full-fledged war is unlikely. In spite of provocations, neither side would want to risk war since no political gains would justify the destruction of their societies.