Diplomacy & Politics Glossary

The condition in which adversaries avoid escalating conflicts during crises due to mutual deterrence or communication.

Cyber deterrence aims to prevent cyberattacks by threatening retaliation or imposing costs on potential attackers.

A national approach to prevent cyber attacks by threatening credible retaliation or denial of benefits to potential attackers. It adapts traditional deterrence principles to cyberspace.

A strategy aimed at discouraging aggression by convincing an adversary that their attack will fail or have no benefit.

A strategy that discourages hostile actions by threatening severe retaliation if such actions occur.

The ability of a state to launch a preemptive nuclear attack that significantly weakens an opponent's retaliatory forces.

Strategy of preventing aggression by threatening unacceptable nuclear retaliation.

A government assessment outlining nuclear strategy, policies, and capabilities to guide defense planning.

The nuclear triad consists of land-based missiles, submarine-launched missiles, and strategic bombers to ensure a credible nuclear deterrent.

A security guarantee by a nuclear-armed state to protect an ally from nuclear attack.

Strategic ambiguity is deliberately vague policy communication to deter adversaries while avoiding explicit commitments.