Q&A · 2:33:59-2:34:13

What separates deterrence from a doomsday weapon?

A balanced strategic deterrent is excluded because the threats are reciprocal.

Question

What would you exclude from the category of science-fiction doomsday weapons?

Short answer

A balanced strategic deterrent is excluded because the threats are reciprocal.

Notes

A balanced system of strategic threats is excluded from the doomsday category in this distinction. Each side can answer the other, so the weapon forms part of a reciprocal deterrent relationship.