Nuclear Deterrence Versus Conventional Deterrence in Modern Strategy

Deterrence has been a feature of the behaviour of individuals, nations and states since the time immemorial. But since the Second World War deterrence has acquired a special significance, particularly because of the development of weapons of mass destruction. It would not be exaggeration to say that in the Post-War period peace and stability have largely been functions of the policy and strategy of deterrence. There is a lot of literature available on nuclear deterrence. But, there is an acute dearth of literature on conventional deterrence and literature on the comparative study of nuclear and conventional deterrence is still scarce and hardly available. The present book is a modest attempt towards the filling of this gap in the field of politico-strategic literature. The book elucidates the concept of nuclear as well conventional deterrence and discusses deterrence as a policy, as a strategy and as a situation. It also delves into the problem of nuclear deterrence versus conventional deterrence in modern strategy and thereby tries to illuminate the nature of conventional war in nuclear age. Thus, the book tries to give an insight into the complex concept of deterrence to the students, researchers as well as to the policy makers.