I think for most of their existence nuclear weapons have acted as a great leveler of the playing field (in more ways than one) In War soldiers have always been at risk of death. Civilians behind the lines came increasing under the gun during the modern age as viable targets in bombing campaigns. However, nukes were the first weapons that the leadership class who are usually the most protected from the effects of war really had to fear. You might have the best fallout shelter taxes can buy but in the end it's still just a hole in the ground. Not much power or prestige there.
I believe the indiscriminate power of atomic weapons weighed heavily on many minds in high places and probably went a long way in keeping wars from growing out of hand in the latter 20th century.
What worries me nowdays are the fanatics who aren't really too concerned about their temporal life on this earth.
Sure hope we never have to go back to the good 'ole days....
