the McNamara Doctrine

The McNamara Doctrine, named after Defense Secretary Robert McNamara in the 1960s, emphasized the idea that nuclear deterrence relied on the threat of massive retaliatory strikes to prevent enemy attacks. It promoted the belief that the threat of complete destruction would deter any enemy from starting a conflict, particularly during the Cold War. The doctrine focused on maintaining a strong and credible nuclear arsenal to ensure mutual deterrence, aiming to prevent wars through the fear of devastating retaliation. Essentially, it underscored the importance of credible threatened punishment as a safeguard against warfare.