Rethinking the Relevance of Self-Deterrence
Abstract
Self-deterrence is critically understudied in deterrence theory. Similarly, deterrence practitioners prefer to focus on adversaries’ threats rather than seeking to account for the full scope of fears influencing the decision calculus of policymakers. Through historical case studies, this article identifies where self-deterrence has occurred, highlights the benefits of incorporating the concept in future strategic planning and intelligence assessments, and recommends that policymakers, strategists, and analysts acknowledge self-deterrence as an important factor when preparing for future wars- text
- deterrence
- self-deterrence
- chemical weapons
- nuclear weapons
- decision-making
- Defense and Security Studies
- International Relations
- Military History
- Military, War, and Peace
- National Security Law
- Other Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration
- Peace and Conflict Studies
- Policy History, Theory, and Methods
- Politics and Social Change
- Public Administration
- Public Affairs
- Terrorism Studies