The Problem of Extended Deterrence in NATO

  • Jane M. O. Sharp

Abstract

The reliability of the American security guarantee can be analysed in three dimensions: how credible a deterrent to the Soviet Union as the presumed adversary, how reassuring to the European allies who are being offered protection, and how convincing to the United States itself as a basis for managing alliance relations. Denis Healey, a former British Defence Minister, captured the difference in allied and adversary perceptions when he noted that it only required a 5 per cent chance of nuclear retaliation to deter a Soviet attack on Western Europe, whereas a 95 per cent chance might not be enough to reassure the more nervous and dependent allies in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

Keywords

Nuclear Weapon North Atlantic Treaty Organisation American Interest Soviet Leader American Troop 
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Notes

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Copyright information

© International School on Disarmament and Research on Conflicts 1991

Authors and Affiliations

  • Jane M. O. Sharp

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