Deterrence Theory in International Relations

Deterrence Theory for International Relations or Strategic Studies

1. Deterrence Theory

2. Deterrence , military strategy under which one power used as preventive force that could be protected against destruction by a surprise attack. This doctrine gained increased prominence as a military strategy during the Cold War with regard to the use of nuclear weapons and. Deterrence is a strategy intended to dissuade an adversary from taking an action not yet started by means of threat of reprisal or to prevent them from doing something that another state desires. The strategy is based on the psychological concept of the same name. A credible nuclear deterrent, Bernard Brodie wrote in 1959, must be always at the ready, yet never used.

3. The doctrine gained increased prominence as a military stragy during the cold war with regard to the use of nuclear weapons. Deterrence gained importance in strategic studies through Thomas Schelling’s (1966) classical work on deterrence. According to Schelling “the capacity to harm another state is now used as a motivating factor for other states to avoid it and influence another state’s behaviour. Deterrence is significant theory in Strategic Studies and International Relations. Deterrence gained global recognition after Cuban missile Crisis event. Deterrence is implemented and executed to ensure its opponents abide by its will. Deterrence is a belief on strategic capability to avoid or prevent itself from being attacked by its opponents.

4. Assumptions Ratonality Mutual Vulnerability Cost/Benefit Analysis Perceptions are the key Credibility is effective for the effective function of deterrence

5. Narrow vs Broad concept of Deterrence The Narrowest definitions hold that deterrence refers solely to military tools of statecraft- using the threat of military response to prevent a state from taking action. In Broader conception keeps focus on threats but expands the scope to non-military actions. A State can deter using threats Economic Sanctions, Diplomatic Exclusion or Information Operations.

6. Types of Deterrence Detterrence by Deniel : strategies that seek to deter an action by making it infeasible or unlikely to succeed, thus denying a potential aggressor confidence in attaining its objective. Deterrence by Punishment: strategies that threatens severe penalties, such as nuclear escalation or severe economic santions , if an attack occurs –MAD Direct Deterrence; efforts by a state to prevent attacks on its own territory Extended Deterrence : involving discoursing attacks on third parties, such as alliance.

7. Nuclear Deterrence steps Bombers ICBM: Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile SLBM: Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile MAD: Mutually assured destruction