Why were both sides of the Cold War hesitant to start a war?

Both sides of the Cold War, primarily the United States and the Soviet Union, were hesitant to start a war due to the threat of mutually assured destruction (MAD) from nuclear weapons. The fear of catastrophic consequences, including widespread devastation and loss of life, created a strong incentive to avoid direct military conflict. Additionally, both superpowers sought to maintain their global influence without triggering a large-scale war that could destabilize the world order. Diplomatic strategies and proxy wars allowed them to pursue their interests while minimizing the risk of direct confrontation.