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Nuclear weapons are considered the ultimate deterrent for…

“Nuclear weapons are considered the ultimate deterrent for good reason: Adversaries are unlikely to threaten the existence of a nuclear-armed state, especially one with a deterrent that can survive a first-strike attack, because that is the one circumstance in which a state is likely to use its…” quote by John Mearsheimer
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“Nuclear weapons are considered the ultimate deterrent for good reason: Adversaries are unlikely to threaten the existence of a nuclear-armed state, especially one with a deterrent that can survive a first-strike attack, because that is the one circumstance in which a state is likely to use its nuclear weapons.”

John Mearsheimer

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Nuclear weapons deter aggression because adversaries fear retaliation, especially after a first‑strike scenario.

In simple terms: Nuclear deterrence prevents war.

Key Takeaway

Maintain credible deterrence.

Themes

security deterrence war

Mood

analytical serious

Type

academic strategic

When to use this quote

  • policy planning
  • military strategy
  • international negotiations

Key Concepts

strategic stability mutual assured destruction

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is deterrence sustainable?
  • What alternatives exist?
A Different Perspective

May ignore proliferation risks.

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