Answer to Question #147258 in Political Science for Oumou Diallo

Question

Do nuclear weapons enhance the ability to deter conventional conflicts? What about nuclear conflicts? Explain your answer based on deterrence theory.

Answer 1

Deterrence theory emphasizes the reduction of offenses through sanctions or threats to sanction. Nuclear weapons enhance the ability to deter conventional conflicts based on various arguments. For instance, the principle is designed to minimize re-offending through specific changes that punish current behaviors through threats focused on a group or an individual. Nuclear weapons prevent large scale wars because, if the cost of the battle is unacceptably high for both rivals, the war will be terminated. Often, battles with nuclear weapons are cost-intensive and there is a high chance that they will not occur. In the case of the United States, nuclear weapons have been deterrent against the USSR and other potential adversaries. Thus, the weapons represent the ultimate defense of a country and they should be maintained.