Deterrent signals usually address the small leadership group deciding whether to act, rather than an entire population. The objective is to shape those leaders' calculations before they begin testing the boundary. Conventional, nuclear, and other forms of strategic deterrence present different risks, and some non-nuclear effects can persist and disrupt areas far beyond their immediate target. Strategic danger is therefore wider than the familiar image of a nuclear explosion. Effective deterrence must account for both a specific decision-maker and the broader consequences that person is being asked to risk.
Notable Point · 11:26-12:39
Deterrence targets leaders and strategic effects
Deterrence aims at the leaders making the decision, while strategic dangers extend beyond nuclear weapons to effects that can outlast and spread beyond a target.