Does a policy of mutually assured destruction favor rogue states?

I wondered if a policy of mutually assured destruction favors rogue states.

I think it is fair to assume that a rogue nuclear state would have less regard for its people and their life and wellbeing which gives them the upper hand in any conflicts against smaller countries as theoretically they can more easily risk an escalation. Not to mention that they can prepare for that earlier.

Is there a way for a democratic power to act against it? It just seems there is no way out.