Brinksmanship

The notion of brinkmanship can about during the height of the cold war.  I think the concept can be applied to the mindset of many individuals during cold war throughout the world.  The idea the entire world order was on a hair trigger and that one action, beyond the control of most everyday citizens could plunge their lives again into war is one that is hard to wrap your mind around today.  I would think the tension must have been unbearable.  There is no doubt that many kept going through their daily routines as if nothing was wrong, they had to say in motion to stay sane.