The “MAD with Aliens” portion of the book isn’t particularly relevant to the dark forest theory it postulates. The MAD in the book only applies to a conflict be

The “MAD with Aliens” portion of the book isn’t particularly relevant to the dark forest theory it postulates. The MAD in the book only applies to a conflict between earth and another nearby non-technologically-sophisticated alien spices, who are competing for earths resources in order to survive. The conflict is resolved by both us and them advancing beyond the need for earth, and becoming full dark forest participants.