Defining ‘Deterrence’: Framing Deterrence in the Twenty-First Century

Pre-conference briefing note explores new theoretical parameters in the aftermath of the Cold War.

Michael Codner, RUSI's Director of Military Sciences, provides a theoretical outline of the doctrine underpinning ‘deterrence’ and its multidimensional approach in the aftermath of the Cold War. An ‘undirected’ or ‘latent’ strategy in the present security environment provides the opportunity for nations to build relationships whilst still maintaining deterrent capacity. While highlighting the spectrum of direct coercion, Michael Codner underlines the inherent and often unintended risks of this course. Understanding the variable nature of strategic culture in a multipolar world is central to framing an effective deterrence. Michael Codner’s briefing note provides an introduction to the high-level conference ‘Framing Deterrence in the Twenty-First Century’. The forum seeks to re-asses the fundamentals of deterrence theory, its related strategies, and the approaches which constitute  effective deterrence.

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To read the post-conference note, click here.