Background
Overview
Understanding the dynamics of nuclear weapons, their role in international relations, the concept of deterrence, and the mechanisms to prevent their use is fundamental for analyzing global security challenges, disarmament efforts, and the foreign policy of nuclear powers.
Nuclear deterrence is a theory where the threat of massive retaliation with nuclear weapons prevents an adversary from initiating an attack. Escalation risks refer to the danger of a conflict intensifying in scope, intensity, or geographical spread, potentially leading to the use of nuclear weapons, especially when nuclear-armed states are involved or supporting proxies.