Deterrence and Nuclear Strategy

Abstract

The text explores various theoretical approaches to the concept ofdeterrence. It links deterrence with other strategies that utilize a threat ofmilitary action to achieve political goals. Furthermore, the di!erencebetween deterrence by punishment and deterrence by denial is highlightedin the article. To develop the debate further, the various roles of nuclearweapons in deterrence are examined, while four types of nucleardeterrence strategies – namely nuclear primacy, maximum assureddestruction, minimum assured destruction, and automatic deterrence – aredistinguished. The text shows the unique role of the strategy of nuclearprimacy. This strategy relies on denial, while the conceptual foundations ofthe other three strategies lie in punishment, and it is well suited not only fordeterrence, but also for compellence, as it eliminates mutuality from thedeterrence relation.