Nuclear deterrence: Theory, practice and changing contours

Nuclear deterrence is a hazardous affair premised upon a credible threat of retaliation. The underlying assumption is that the fear of assured destruction would persuade enemies of the futility of using nuclear weapons. The moot requirement of nuclear deterrence is the survival of retaliatory arsenals. A state under attack must be able to guard its ability to strike back instantaneously and this could happen only if its retaliatory systems survive. In past decades, the survivability of retaliatory arsenals was almost assured as nuclear deterrence systems were large, dispersed and easier to hide and protect. However due to changing technological contours, first strike weapons have shrunk in size, surged in stealthiness and increased in accuracy. The changes are of such magnitude, extent and variety that they undermine the very foundations of nuclear deterrence.