A fundamental component of International Security since the introduction of nuclear weapons has been nuclear deterrence. States can dissuade attacks under mutually assured destruction (MAD) by threatening catastrophic retaliation. Russia’s “Dead Hand” system, or “Perimeter”, is one of this approach's most mysterious and debated elements.   The Dead Hand is an automatic nuclear command and control system, especially during the Cold War era, that may execute a retaliation strike if a nation’s leadership appears ineffective....