Course Module 14: Nuclear Weapons and U.S. Foreign Policy I

How have nuclear weapons influenced U.S. foreign policy since 1945, and how have they complicated national security?

Nuclear weapons made preventing war the top U.S. goal. Since 1945, policy has focused on deterrence instead of traditional fighting. But they also complicate security—because their power makes total defense impossible and raises the stakes of any conflict.

What is the nuclear revolution?

The nuclear revolution refers to how nuclear weapons changed warfare—massive destruction in seconds, targeting civilians, and making “victory” meaningless since both sides could be wiped out.

What are three ways nuclear weapons differ from conventional weapons?

• Cause catastrophic destruction quickly.

• Target civilians, not just soldiers.

• Make it impossible to win wars the traditional way—both sides can lose completely.

What is deterrence, and how does it differ from defense?

• Deterrence: Using the threat of retaliation to prevent an attack (“If you attack, I’ll destroy you”).

• Defense: Physically protecting against attack with weapons or barriers.
  In the nuclear age, defense is impossible—so states rely on deterrence.

What are the different types of deterrence?

• General deterrence: Long-term maintenance of nuclear forces to discourage attacks.

• Immediate deterrence: Threats made in response to a current, specific crisis.

What is second strike capability?

It’s the ability to survive an enemy’s first nuclear attack and still strike back with devastating force.

What is mutually assured destruction (MAD), and how is it based on second strike capability?

MAD occurs when both sides have secure second strike capabilities—meaning a nuclear war would destroy both nations. Because both can retaliate, neither side wants to start a war.

Under what conditions might nuclear weapons make war less likely?

When both sides have secure second strike capabilities (MAD), the risk of total destruction discourages direct conflict.

How did this dynamic play out during the Cold War?

The U.S. and Soviet Union avoided direct fighting because both knew a nuclear war would destroy them—so deterrence kept the peace.