Deterrence and Its Failures

Deterrence is currently perceived as failing, particularly regarding non-nuclear states, according to arguments presented in the discussion. The participants reference a piece by Carter Malkazian that posits the United States is experiencing a crisis of deterrence, notably in how effectively it can deter adversaries like Iran. He highlights that traditional deterrence theory, which was formulated with nuclear powers in mind, proves inadequate in dealing with non-nuclear actors. This misalignment indicates a potential gap in U.S. foreign policy strategies, as responses to threats from these states often seem insufficient or inconsistent.