International Security and Foreign Policy: Deterrence, Terrorism, and State Sovereignty

Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD)

A condition where nuclear-armed states can destroy each other; deterrence relies on second-strike capability.

Second-Strike Capability

The ability to retaliate with nuclear weapons even after a first strike.

Nuclear Triad

Three types of nuclear delivery systems ensuring second-strike capability.

ICBMs (Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles)

Land-based long-range missiles.

Strategic Bombers

Aircraft carrying nuclear bombs.

SLBMs (Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles)

Missiles launched from submarines, harder to detect.

MIRVs (Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles)

Missiles that carry multiple warheads, each aimed at different targets.

Nuclear Revolution

How nuclear weapons changed warfare — compressing time, targeting civilians, making victory nearly impossible, and promoting deterrence.

Deterrence

Preventing an adversary's harmful behavior by threatening retaliation.

General Deterrence

Long-term military readiness to discourage attacks.

Immediate Deterrence

Threats issued during crises with high likelihood of conflict.

Extended Deterrence

Protecting allies by threatening retaliation if they are attacked.

Terrorism

Use or threat of violence against civilians for political goals.

Asymmetrical Conflict

Weaker actors attacking civilians or soft targets instead of armies.

Coercion

Using violence to force a political change.

Provocation

Causing an overreaction to alienate moderates.

Spoiling

Sabotaging peace efforts.

Demonstrative Terrorism

Acts intended to gain attention or recruits.

Outbidding

Competing with rival groups for support or legitimacy.

Cell System

Small, secretive groups within a terrorist organization.

Centralized Leadership

decision-making authority is concentrated at the top of an organization's hierarchy

Decentralized Leadership

Smaller, frequent attacks with less central control.

Terrorist Dilemma

The trade-off between coordination (efficiency) and secrecy (safety).

State

A political organization governing people within defined borders.

Public Goods

Goods that are nonexcludable and nonrivalrous (e.g., security, education).

Free Rider Problem

Individuals benefit from public goods without contributing.

Sovereignty

State's political authority over its population and territory.

Norm of Non-Intervention

States should not interfere in other states' domestic affairs.

Mutual Recognition

Respecting sovereignty to maintain peace.

Diplomacy

Managing relations between states.

Extraterritoriality

Legal status where embassies are considered part of the home country.

Diplomatic Immunity

Protection of diplomats from host country laws.

Public Diplomacy

Communicating directly with foreign publics to influence opinion.

Failed State

A state unable to maintain order, legitimacy, or provide public goods.

Statebuilder's Dilemma

Foreign support can stabilize weak states but may make them seem illegitimate.

Domestic Politics in Foreign Policy

Internal groups and institutions shaping foreign policy decisions.

Two-Level Game Theory

Leaders balance domestic pressures with international negotiations.

Nonstate Domestic Actors

Groups like interest organizations, media, or firms influencing policy.

Lobbying

Directly influencing officials through appeals or financial contributions.

Collective Action Problem

Group members rely on others' efforts without contributing.

Chief Executive

President or Prime Minister — sets foreign policy.

Bureaucracies

Government departments that implement policy (Defense, Trade, Finance).

Bureaucratic Politics

Agencies competing to protect their interests or influence policy.

Domestic Institutions

Rules that govern political competition and policy-making.