Deterrence: Potential for Failure.
Abstract
Having been exposed to the threat of nuclear annihilation all their lives, many of the post-war generation have adopted fatalistic attitudes about survival in a nuclear war. The premise that the world stands defenseless against these ultimate weapons if often accepted at face value. This same generation is now beginning to take the reins of power and must face the nuclear dilemma head-on and answer the question, 'Can the strategy that has served the nation so well during this era of 'assured destruction' continue to protect the nation's security interests in the foreseeable future?' The problem with deterrence is it's all or nothing nature. Deterrence is designed only to maintain peace. Should the strategy fail, it offers no guidance for the prosecution of war. This paper attempts to highlight the fragility of deterrence by identifying certain real-world factors that could cause the strategy to crumble. Perhaps the one factor having the most potential to bring about such a failure is the never ending advance of science and technology. The same technology that made a possible defense against such weapons. Strategists and leaders must recognize the danger of continuing to rely on a strategy that is by no means foolproof. New alternatives for credible strategies must be considered today if the USA is to insure its security in the future.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA194375
Entities
People
- Robin E. Scott
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College