Quotes from Jeffrey A. Larsen

Battlefield use of tactical nuclear weapons could perhaps qualify as purely tactical. But limited nuclear war need not be confined to a battlefield. Limited nuclear strikes against other than clearly battlefield targets, such as those located in the rear, on the territory of an ally, or, particularly, in the homeland of an opponent, could well be regarded as strategic, even if restricted to warfighting, or counterforce, targets.

Limited wars were not to be considered lesser-included cases. The ability to deter, fight, and win in the least likely contingencies — total wars —did not necessarily ensure the ability to deter, fight, and win in the most likely contingencies — limited wars.