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'''Deterrence theory''' is a [[nuclear weapon]] utilization strategy first used during the [[Cold War]]. It was derived from the basis that it is all but impossible to physically protect a country from a large-scale nuclear attack; it is much more effective to prevent the attact entirely. Deterrence theory uses a country's nuclear arsenal to deter an enemy from attacking.

'''Deterrence theory''' is a [[nuclear weapon]] utilization strategy first used during the [[Cold War]]. It was derived from the basis that it is all but impossible to physically protect a country from a large-scale nuclear attack; it is much more effective to prevent the attack entirely. Deterrence theory uses a country's nuclear arsenal to deter an enemy from attacking.

==Assumptions==

==Assumptions==

There are two general modes of deterrence: [[assured destruction]] (AD) and [[damage limitation]] (DL).

There are two general modes of deterrence: [[assured destruction]] (AD) and [[damage limitation]] (DL).

The assured destruction mode of deterrence is where each actor says they will completely destroy the other if attacked. In this mode, nuclear weapons are only used for deterrence, and their use will escalate into total ruination of both actors. AD attacks are aimed at [[countervalue]] targets, such as population centers and places of government. Targetting these places will ensure that as many people are killed as possible, thus reducing the will and capacity to attack again.

The assured destruction mode of deterrence is where each actor says they will completely destroy the other if attacked. In this mode, nuclear weapons are only used for deterrence, and their use will escalate into total ruination of both actors. AD attacks are aimed at [[countervalue]] targets, such as population centers and places of government. Targeting these places will ensure that as many people are killed as possible, thus reducing the will and capacity to attack again.

The damage limitation mode of deterrence is where both actors target their opponents nuclear and conventional weapons capability ([[counterforce]] targeting). An attack under this mode will not result in the total destruction of either or both sides, rather it will result in [[limited nuclear warfare]].

The damage limitation mode of deterrence is where both actors target their opponents nuclear and conventional weapons capability ([[counterforce]] targeting). An attack under this mode will not result in the total destruction of either or both sides, rather it will result in [[limited nuclear warfare]].

# Annihilation for ''any'' transgression is not credible. If the threat of attack is no longer credible, AD deterrence breaks down.

# Annihilation for ''any'' transgression is not credible. If the threat of attack is no longer credible, AD deterrence breaks down.

There are also other destabilizing factors unrelated to which method is used. For example, [[rogue state]]s and [[terrorist]] organizations are not limited to being rational actors, so deterrence theory breaks down against these groups. [[Missile defence]] systems also destabalize deterrence, because they remove the fear of retaliation; which could lead to a possibility of a [[first strike]] attack for a small provocation. Multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle missiles (MIRVed missiles) are also destabalizing, because they make it difficult for an actor to calculate the capability of his opponent.

There are also other destabilizing factors unrelated to which method is used. For example, [[rogue state]]s and [[terrorist]] organizations are not limited to being rational actors, so deterrence theory breaks down against these groups. [[Missile defence]] systems also destabilize deterrence, because they remove the fear of retaliation; which could lead to a possibility of a [[first strike]] attack for a small provocation. Multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle missiles (MIRVed missiles) are also destabilizing, because they make it difficult for an actor to calculate the capability of his opponent.

 

 

 

==See Also==

==See Also==

* [[Mutually assured destruction]]

* [[Mutually assured destruction]]

* [[List of military strategies and concepts]]

* [[List of military strategies and concepts]]

[[category:Diplomacy]]

[[category:Diplomacy]]

[[category:Political Science]]

[[category:Political Science]]

[[category:Cold War]]

[[category:Cold War]]

[[Category:Military Strategies and Concepts]]

[[Category:Military Strategies and Concepts]]