USAWC (United States Army War College) Military Studies Program Paper. The Ingredients of Deterrence: Theory, Practice, and Implications.
Abstract
Deterrence is considered the core of US Defense Policy, but it is a term fraught with ambiuity. The fundamental question is whether it is possible to derive a better appreciation and understanding of the term deterrence and of its attendent theory, that would be of practical benefit to US decisionmakers. Addressing that question required analysis of information obtained from a primary and secondary literature review and from personal interviews with Department of Defense officials. It is concluded that deterrence theory should be broadened to include several postulates and subpostulates for effective deterrence that were suffested by the analysis. The notion that the United States can better deter aggression against its allies and friends by having a combination of strong American and allied conventional forces in position on the territory of such states is demonstrated theoretically and historically. Such a policy should be studied for application in regions of vital interest to the United States, but where such forces are lacking, as in Southwest Asia.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 02, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA158663
Entities
People
- A. C. Myers
Organizations
- United States Army War College