- Mutual assured destruction (MAD): Both the United States and the Soviet Union possessed large stockpiles of nuclear weapons, and each side knew that a nuclear war would result in the destruction of both countries. This made both sides highly cautious about engaging in direct military conflict.
- Deterrence: The doctrine of deterrence played a key role in preventing World War III. Both the United States and the Soviet Union maintained a policy of "massive retaliation," meaning that any attack by one side would be met with a devastating counterattack. This policy made both sides think twice about starting a war.
- Diplomacy: Despite the intense rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, both sides also engaged in diplomacy to avoid war. This included regular summits between leaders of both countries, as well as the establishment of arms control agreements.
- Third parties: The involvement of third parties, such as the United Nations and other countries, also helped to prevent World War III. These parties played a role in mediating disputes between the United States and the Soviet Union, and they provided a forum for both sides to air their grievances.
- Public opinion: Public opinion in both the United States and the Soviet Union was overwhelmingly against war. This made it difficult for leaders to justify a war and helped keep both sides from taking actions that could lead to war.