Deterrence: A Conceptual Analysis

Abstract

Newly revised in the light of the renewed debate of the last five years, this second edition of Patrick Morgan's book is a comprehensive review of the logic and the practice of deterrence. Morgan highlights the difficulties involved in immediate deterrence, the use of threat to deter in a specific, immediate situation. He then explores the irrationality of the strategic options that general nuclear deterrence offers. He shows how differences in theories of how decisions are made alter views of how deterrence works -- and how an opponent will respond to threat. Finally, he considers a way of reducing our dependence on a policy that relies on the threat of nuclear weapons. Reviews of the first edition: 'This is a fine book...(an) excellent review of both the deterrence and decision-making literature.' -- Perspective, 1978 'This is a stimulating work, and will be of immense value to students seeking to sort out their own ideas in this crucial area of strategic theory...' -- International Affairs, July 1978

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