6. The Euromissile Crisis (1977-1987)
Between 1977 and 1987, the Soviet Union’s deployment of SS-20 nuclear missiles in Eastern Europe prompted NATO to plan the stationing of new missiles in Western Europe. This escalation led to widespread public protests and intense domestic debates within NATO member countries. The crisis underscored the challenges of balancing military deterrence with public opinion, ultimately resulting in arms control agreements aimed at reducing the nuclear threat (brookings.edu).
