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

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. 'Unacceptable damage' is typically defined as damage to the adversary'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.