Question

Explain the core principle underlying Minimum Deterrence as a nuclear strategy.

Accepted Answer

The core principle underlying Minimum Deterrence as a nuclear strategy is that a state needs only a relatively small, but survivable, nuclear force to deter a potential adversary from attacking. This strategy rejects the need for nuclear superiority or the ability to fight and win a nuclear war. Instead, it focuses on maintaining a credible threat of retaliation sufficient to inflict unacceptable damage on the aggressor, thereby discouraging any first strike. &#x27;Unacceptable damage&#x27; is typically defined as damage to the adversary&#x27;s major cities, industrial base, and leadership. The key to Minimum Deterrence is ensuring the survivability of the retaliatory force, typically through diversification of delivery systems (e.g., land-based missiles, submarine-launched missiles, and aircraft), hardening of launch sites, and mobile launchers. Even if an adversary were to launch a first strike, enough nuclear weapons would survive to inflict the unacceptable damage. Minimum Deterrence emphasizes stability by reducing the incentives for a preemptive strike, since a large, vulnerable nuclear force might tempt an adversary to strike first in a crisis. It also implies lower defense spending compared to maintaining a larger, more diverse arsenal. The underlying assumption is that no rational leader would risk the destruction of their own society, regardless of the potential gains from an attack.

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Explain the core principle underlying Minimum Deterrence as a nuclear strategy.