Samenvatting

The challenge of deterrence — discouraging states from taking unwanted actions, especially military aggression — has again become a principal theme in U.S. defence policy. This chapter reviews the fundamentals of deterrence in theory and practice. It surveys basic de fi nitions and types of deterrence, including central versus extended deterrence and techniques of deterring by denial or punishment. The chapter argues that it in inaccurate to equate deterrence strength with the local military balance, which is one important factor in deterrence success, but not the only one. It examines three essential conditions for deterrence success: The level of aggressor motivation, clarity about the object of deterrence and the actions the defender will take, and the defender ’ s capability and will to ful fi l threats.