Nuclear deterrence is presented as a condition in which rivals already know that each can retaliate. Revealing or creating a deterrent during a crisis can intensify danger because every participant must react under pressure. A state that chooses an at-sea nuclear force therefore needs to keep it continuously available. The practical question is whether it has enough submarines to guarantee that one remains at sea.
Chapter · 31:37-33:24
Nuclear deterrence needs a continuous at-sea posture
A nuclear deterrent is most stable when its existence is already understood, making continuous at-sea availability more important than a sudden visible deployment.