First, it is not. Idea that this Cold War doctrine was suicidal (for the Europeans) madness is rather popular, I think more than the opposite.
Second, given that exactly zero states were attacked by US for trying to make nukes, I wouldn't call this the most important reason. As for third-world politicians, they adopt the first-word attitude to nukes as thing you can only threaten with but can't really use.
Idea that this Cold War doctrine was suicidal (for the Europeans) madness is rather popular, I think more than the opposite.
Is popular? I am not sure today people spend a lot of effort in evaluating an obsolete military doctrine from quarter century ago. And is there an alternative proposed?
given that exactly zero states were attacked by US for trying to make nukes
Notice that I didn't say "invaded", though Iraq is an interesting case. But why did Iran make a deal with the US, then?
thing you can only threaten with but can't really use
Yo...
India vs. Pakistan: the nuclear option is dangerously close, and nobody seems to want to prevent it
http://qz.com/541502/a-nuclear-war-between-india-and-pakistan-is-a-very-real-possibility/