ABSTRACT
This chapter examines nuclear warfare and nuclear deterrence. Our central objective is to provide an introduction to these important topics. The potency of nuclear weapons and their continued proliferation ensures that the topic remains significant. To advance our objective, our chapter is organized into four discrete sections. The first considers the conceptual foundations and debates about how nuclear weapons may be used to deter. We consider the major schools of thought–existential deterrence, counterforce, and manipulation of risk–and evaluate how deterrence has changed in the aftermath of the classic confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union. The second section presents two case studies of deterrence. We touch on the Cold War and the Sino-American relationship. Finally, the third evaluates emerging deterrence concerns with a specific focus on regional deterrence issues in North Korea and Israel and the debate on deterring nuclear terrorism. The final section offers our conclusions.
