Hmmm, in a world that lacks the big state Nuke "terrorism" to coin your characterization - the game is now open to two-bit players - AKA today's "terrorism".

Having lived through the Bay of Pigs crisis - the sound of the air raid sirens, pulling over to the side of the road, as if there were an emergency vehilcle trying to get through, and doing the cover drills into the concrete shelter below my grade school auditorium stage - replete with C-rations; I think I would rather play nuclear chess with Russia any day. At least there was some measure of reason back then.

Respectfully, please choose your poison

All your base are belong to us.