"Certainly the existence of these huge nuclear force was important for the ultimate confrontation, let's say, over western Europe. You just can't use them to deal with a situation like Afghanistan"

In the quote by Lloyd Cutler, a prominent legal and political figure, there is a tactical analysis on the energy and constraints of nuclear weapons throughout the Cold War period, particularly concerning geopolitical disputes like those in Western Europe and Afghanistan.

Cutler begins by acknowledging the significance of nuclear forces throughout the Cold War, particularly in the context of Western Europe. During this era, the nuclear arms race in between the United States and the Soviet Union led to immense stockpiles of nuclear weapons, basically altering the nature of international relations and military technique. The presence of these nuclear arsenals was important in producing a deterrence-based balance of power, frequently referred to as "Mutually Assured Destruction" (MAD). This doctrine was predicated on the notion that any nuclear aggressiveness would lead to a frustrating retaliatory strike, making sure the destruction of both the opponent and the defender. This stalemate was particularly necessary for preserving stability and preventing outright military fights in Europe, a region at the leading edge of East-West tensions.

However, Cutler contrasts this circumstance with disputes like the one in Afghanistan. The Soviet intrusion of Afghanistan in 1979 and the subsequent guerrilla warfare did not lend itself to the logic of nuclear deterrence. In unbalanced and regional conflicts such as this, including insurgency and guerilla strategies, nuclear weapons are not a useful or ethical kind of military engagement. The socio-political landscape of Afghanistan, identified by irregular fight and complex tribal characteristics, could not be successfully attended to through the application of massive, indiscriminate nuclear force. Such disputes required nuanced, traditional military strategies and diplomatic options, emphasizing the need for flexible and differed methods instead of a particular reliance on nuclear capability.

In summary, Cutler's declaration highlights the distinct roles that nuclear forces play in different geopolitical circumstances. While they may be critical in avoiding conventional wars amongst superpowers, they are largely inefficient in handling local or unconventional conflicts, therefore highlighting the complex nature of international security challenges.