Originally Posted by
Genstabler
But a nuclear deterrant will only be used by a civilised society in the event of a nuclear attack.
I don't think you understand that deterrence is a living concept, not confined to the East and West Bloc. Your assertion about "only be used" is a guess, at best, since so far all that deterrence has done is made people reluctant to use the weapons at all, be it for tactical or strategic reasons.
It's a multi polar and far less rational world nowadays. I offer as exhibit A Pakistan's nuclear capability.
The deterrant is only effective if the perception is "will be used.
Wrong again. "Is likely to be used" is far more accurate, and "will be used" is a simpleton's explanation.
The very uncertainty is an advantage: will they or won't they?
Some will argue that Ronald Reagan introduced greater uncertainty when he was in office and that uncertainty scared people on BOTH sides of the wall.
THAT is effective deterrence, of one form, but it isn't the only one.
PS: never show your hold card.
Never rule out first use.
Make the bastards sweat.