The Influence and Direction of Deterrence

Throughout the Cold War, the U.S. National Security Policy was implemented on the sole basis of deterrence. At the time, this policy held the ability to ward off any potential threats; the effectiveness of this system was based on the mere fact that possible invaders would seriously contemplate the results of their action. The chief reason as to why the United States held such a powerful stance is the fact that the United States, at the time, was facing a rational enemy that would make rational decisions based on the power of the United States. However, since the conclusion of the Cold War, the U.S. National Security Policy does not enjoy the same leisure with the introduction of rogue states and dictators. Due to the difference in motivations, the United States cannot assume any rational decisions to be made by these powers.
During the Cold War, the United States had the tremendous benefit of facing the Soviet Union, a rational actor. Facing a rational adversary permitted the United States to focus its Security Policy with one major deterrent, nuclear power. This understanding of opposing power made it essential that both actors, the U.S. and Soviet Union, developed rational policies, with rational decisions. …