New Strategic Deterrence Frameworks for Modern-Day Challenges

Authors

Kayse Jansen, U.S. Strategic Command

Abstract

Decades of fighting militarily inferior adversaries with little to no concern of strategic escalation have atrophied the intellectual frameworks required to deter and, if necessary, fight today’s potential adversaries. Paths to nuclear use, strategies that simultaneously account for prevailing conventionally while deterring strategic attacks, and concepts to restore deterrence should an adversary choose strategic escalation are among the most important considerations the United States must contend with in an era of intensifying Great Power competition. So along with modernizing the hardware and software of the U.S. nuclear enterprise, we are called to revitalize our cognitive approaches. This requires the national security community to understand the character of today’s security environment, revisit and refresh enduring deterrence truths, and explore new deterrence frameworks necessary for modern-day challenges.

Recommended Citation

Jansen, Kayse (2024) "New Strategic Deterrence Frameworks for Modern-Day Challenges," Joint Force Quarterly: Vol. 112, Article 9.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.ndu.edu/joint-force-quarterly/vol112/iss1/9