The criticism of the London Treaty here is that restricting possession of weapons did not necessarily reduce the risk of war. Preparedness can give governments confidence to set limits and resist intimidation. Credible warnings can make an aggressor back down, while fear and hesitation can weaken deterrence. In this interpretation, readiness and credible opposition to aggression offer a firmer basis for peace than nominal disarmament rules.
Notable Point · 43:08-45:10
Treaty limits raise a deterrence problem
The criticism of treaty disarmament rests on the view that readiness and credible warnings can deter aggression more effectively than nominal restrictions.