Nuclear Deterrence

Definition

Nuclear deterrence is a military strategy that uses the threat of nuclear retaliation to prevent an adversary from attacking with nuclear weapons. It relies on the concept that the fear of mutually assured destruction will deter both sides from initiating a nuclear war.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Nuclear deterrence is based on the principle that the threat of massive retaliation will prevent an adversary from attacking with nuclear weapons.
2. The concept of Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD) is a key component of nuclear deterrence, where both sides have the capability to destroy each other, deterring either side from initiating a nuclear attack.
3. Nuclear deterrence has been a central strategy of the United States and other nuclear-armed nations during the Cold War and post-Cold War eras.
4. The spread of nuclear weapons to more countries, known as nuclear proliferation, is a major concern for maintaining effective nuclear deterrence.
5. International treaties, such as the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), have aimed to limit and reduce the number of strategic nuclear weapons to enhance global stability and nuclear deterrence.

Review Questions

• Explain how the concept of Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD) is a key component of nuclear deterrence.
  • The concept of Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD) is a central tenet of nuclear deterrence. It is based on the idea that if two nuclear-armed adversaries engage in a full-scale nuclear war, the resulting destruction would be so catastrophic that it would effectively annihilate both sides. This mutually assured destruction serves as a deterrent, as neither side would be willing to risk such an outcome and therefore refrains from initiating a nuclear attack in the first place. The fear of this mutually assured destruction is what underpins the strategy of nuclear deterrence.
• Analyze the role of international treaties, such as the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), in enhancing global stability and nuclear deterrence.
  • International treaties like the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) play a crucial role in enhancing global stability and nuclear deterrence. These treaties aim to limit and reduce the number of strategic nuclear weapons held by major powers, such as the United States and Russia. By decreasing the overall number of nuclear weapons and delivery systems, these treaties help to mitigate the risks of accidental or unauthorized launch, and they also promote transparency and trust between the participating nations. This, in turn, strengthens the foundation of nuclear deterrence by reducing the chances of miscalculation or escalation during times of crisis. Additionally, these treaties demonstrate a commitment to nuclear non-proliferation and can serve as a model for other nations to follow, further enhancing global stability and the effectiveness of nuclear deterrence.
• Evaluate the potential challenges and limitations of the nuclear deterrence strategy, particularly in the context of nuclear proliferation.
  • While nuclear deterrence has been a central strategy for maintaining global stability, it faces significant challenges and limitations, especially in the context of nuclear proliferation. As more nations acquire nuclear weapons, the risk of accidental or unauthorized use increases, potentially undermining the effectiveness of deterrence. Additionally, the spread of nuclear technology and know-how to non-state actors, such as terrorist organizations, poses a grave threat, as they may not be as susceptible to the logic of mutually assured destruction that underpins nuclear deterrence. Furthermore, as the number of nuclear-armed nations grows, the complexity of maintaining stable deterrence relationships also increases, making the system more vulnerable to miscalculation or escalation. These challenges highlight the need for robust non-proliferation efforts, enhanced safety and security measures, and the exploration of alternative strategies to complement or potentially replace nuclear deterrence in the long term.

Related terms

Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD): A doctrine of military strategy and national security policy in which a full-scale use of nuclear weapons by two or more opposing sides would cause the complete annihilation of both the attacker and the defender.

Nuclear Proliferation:

The spread of nuclear weapons, nuclear weapons technology, and nuclear information to nations not recognized as nuclear weapon states by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START): A series of treaties between the United States and the Soviet Union (later Russia) to reduce and limit the number of strategic offensive arms, such as intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and heavy bombers.