Need Quote by Carl Sagan
“The professed function of the nuclear weapons on each side is to prevent the other side from using their nuclear weapons. If that's all it is, then we've gotta as: how many nuclear weapons do you need to do that?”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on Nuclear Deterrence, 1990s
Deterrence works only if each side believes the other has enough weapons to cause unacceptable damage; the actual number needed is unclear.
In simple terms: Deterrence needs enough weapons to be credible.
Question the actual number needed for credible deterrence.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy making
- defense budgeting
- international negotiations
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How many weapons truly ensure deterrence?
- What alternatives exist to nuclear deterrence?
Limited; fails if credibility is doubted or technology changes.