This is what happens when two nations attempt to prove that My Kung Fu Is Stronger Than Yours or build a Bigger Stick. If a military conflict goes on long enough in a high-tech setting, each side will be struggling to gain and keep a technological advantage over the other. Sometimes, this process of escalation goes way over the top (especially with Soviet Superscience). See also: Plot Leveling, So Last Season, Sorting Algorithm of Evil, Serial Escalation. Not to be confused with Escalating War. Examples of Lensman Arms Race include: