Publication

This paper contemplates the nature of contemporary defense and deterrence theory and how they shape NATO’s current strategic posture towards Russia. In particular, the text’s author discusses 1) the first principles embedded in the military thinking of nuclear weapons states; 2) the conceptual and applied dimensions of deterrence theory; and 3) the actual practice of deterrence doctrine. The author ultimately argues that if NATO members are to comprehend the nuances of their nuclear deterrence policy and posture, they need to re-educate themselves in “the lexicon of difficult truths” that are at the heart of nuclear deterrence in the 21st century.