Shift in US Deterrence Strategy Reflects New Geopolitical Realities

Adam Schwarze has a background with the US Marines and has held a leadership role with the US Navy SEALs for the past decade. In addition to his military responsibilities, Adam Schwarze is working toward a master’s degree at Harvard University that includes nuclear deterrence and international security certification.

An October 2021 National Interest feature titled “Wanted: A Nuclear Deterrence Strategy That Works” highlights the need to strengthen deterrent capabilities. The aim is to continue the conventional strategy of “no use of nuclear force.” This is achieved by maintaining peace through diplomacy, economic engagement, and projected strength, as well as restrained use of military assets.

With nation-building and counterterrorism activities in the Middle East and Afghanistan having been a core US focus over the past two decades, priorities are now shifting toward nuclear-capable adversaries such as China, Russia, and North Korea. These countries have been steadily building nuclear capacities for reasons that extend beyond industrial inertia. Treaties such as the 2010 New START are not adequate to limit this progress.

According to the article, a credible military force is key to confronting this emerging threat. Dispersed centers of US power need to be integrated in ways that project renewed strategic stability, in tandem with an expansion of both nuclear and conventional capabilities.