How/Why does defcon change?

[PraiseYouAllMyLife]

To a new player it feels somewhat random - and you arent notified in any way that i can see

[Maestro Cinetik]

Thank you for that question.
I should make it clearer in the rulebook or the tooltips.

There are two ways:
By event when you pick a choice that changes defcon.
During nuclear showdowns depending upon your actions. (threatening increases defcon for exemple)

[PraiseYouAllMyLife]

Oh when tensions are mentioned, does that mean defcon?

[Maestro Cinetik]

Originally posted by PraiseYouAllMyLife:

Oh when tensions are mentioned, does that mean defcon?

yes