This is a line from the start of the Illuminatus Trilogy. This was a series of satirical novels written in the 1970s. I read them in the late 80s/early 90s.
The phrase literally means actively bringing about the end of the world.
This is the first time that I have known of a war when key agents on both sides are trying to bring about the end of the world.
Pete Hegseth (Secretary of War) openly pushes end-times prophecy.
Shia theology also has strong end of days themes.
This combo makes the mutually assured destruction thinking from the cold war break down.
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