Is nuclear deterrence a viable strategy in the post-cold war period?
… that nuclear deterrence played until the end of the cold war. This will provide the context against which its present situation can be compared. Examples from the last decade will be used in order to analyse whether and when nuclear deterrence strategy played a part within them. Arguments from either side of the debate will accompany these examples. The arguments which provide the most persuasive account on the position of deterrence strategy in the world today will be favoured in the conclusion. Some would argue that nuclear deterrence was the single reason, which prevented the cold war from turning hot. When the bombs were dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima, most observers thought they were witnessing a new means for warfare. It was seen, by policy makers, in a similar light to the introduction of air power. However, one American observer, Bernard Brodie, was quick to note that ‘thus far the …
