Which term is used to refer to the unintended consequences of nuclear weapon use?

The term "collateral damage" is commonly used to describe unintended consequences, particularly in the context of military operations, including the use of nuclear weapons. It refers to the unintentional injury or damage inflicted on people, buildings, or the environment that occurs as a result of military action, which is particularly significant in the case of nuclear weapons due to their immense destructive potential.

In discussions about nuclear weapon use, collateral damage can encompass not only the immediate loss of life and property but also longer-term environmental and health impacts that affect civilians and non-combatants. Understanding collateral damage is crucial for military strategies and ethical considerations surrounding the use of such devastating weapons.

The other terms, while related to military tactics or the implications of nuclear strategy, refer to different concepts. Nuclear deterrence focuses on the prevention of conflict through the threat of retaliation, fallout effects relate specifically to the radioactive materials and their consequences after a nuclear explosion, and strategic targeting involves selecting specific targets for military strikes. Thus, "collateral damage" is the most applicable term when discussing unintended consequences arising from the use of nuclear weapons.