Nuclear Strategy
Nuclear strategy refers to the plans and policies that countries formulate regarding the use of nuclear weapons. After World War II, with the advent of atomic bombs, nations focused on deterrence—preventing an enemy from attacking by threatening devastating retaliatory strikes. This led to doctrines like mutually assured destruction (MAD), where both sides ensured total destruction if provoked. Strategies also include arms control, non-proliferation efforts to prevent spread, and the management of crises to avoid escalation into nuclear conflict. Overall, nuclear strategy shapes how states navigate the risks and responsibilities of possessing such powerful weapons.
Additional Insights
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Nuclear strategy refers to how countries plan to use nuclear weapons for defense, deterrence, and military objectives. It involves decisions about when, why, and how to use these powerful weapons, considering factors like deterrence (preventing attacks by showcasing the capacity to retaliate), arms control agreements, and the consequences of a nuclear conflict. Key concepts include mutual assured destruction (the idea that both sides would be destroyed in a nuclear war, deterring them from engaging) and first-strike vs. second-strike capabilities, which determine whether a country would strike first or respond after being attacked.