Originally Posted by
rickair7777
Yes you obviously need a clear roadmap to the ultimate *strategic* objective before you employ tactical/operational capabilities.
So far nobody has used nukes lightly. Doing so would be existential for the first user in many scenarios.
But context would matter, if it's last-ditch in defense from invaders on your own territory you'd get a pass from the international community.
The vast majority of nuclear powers do appear to consider their arsenals as a deterrent, and thus potentially an enabler of their own freedom of action. As opposed to a first-use weapon.
The most likely nations to use them first would be IL, then very distant second/third India and Pakistan.
No, DPRK doesn't have a reason to actually use them (unless US and ROK invaded...).
I added the comment regarding nukes as a qualifier to my assertion that an ambivalent country is incapable of waging total war. Obviously the power to launch does not require the participation or approval of "the People".
Your reference to "last ditch" defense is why I included 'unprovoked use' as possibly bringing total destruction to whomever would do such a thing.
Regardless the circumstances, first-use would definitely be entering "a path where no man thought".
(talk about launching something that would have unpredictable results!)