One of the many factors that leads us toward extreme jeopardy is our inability to apply correct inputs to game theory - which in turn is the basis for much of the strategy that the USA follows. In the most simplistic terms, the problem is how best to react when one side is showing every sign of being incapable of rational behavior. When the "side" in question is a toddler having a meltdown, the answer is obvious: the adult remains in adult mode, refusing to be drawn into the drama and modeling adequate behavior that one day the then-older child may be capable of emulating. But Putin is not a child; he is a rather unintelligent but quite cunning man who has totally cut himself off from reality and therefore has backed himself into a corner from which escape is impossible. Recognizing this, the USA needs to realize three things. The first is that no meaningful communication with Putin is possible and therefore no effort should be expended. The second is that his subordinates should be made aware without any ambiguity whatsoever that any use of WMDs by Russia for any purported reason will result automatically in the instantaneous obliteration of every Russian city and every Russian military installation. Although these subordinates will not be able to influence Putin, the purpose of establishing clarity regarding Russia's fate is to ensure that no one in the chain of command underneath Putin will be interested in obeying a command from him to use a nuclear device. In fact, in an ideal world, such clear consequences would trigger Putin's removal were he to issue such an order - after all, even the most supine and spineless probably would prefer to execute Putin than to commit their loved ones to being turned into radioactive ash.

Sadly, we're likely to prevaricate and vacillate, which will only increase the chances of yet more Russian miscalculation, which in turn can too easily lead to unwanted global nuclear extermination.