The theory of deterrence is a term related to the use of nuclear weapons, which developed and gained pre-eminence as a military strategy during the Cold War. It gained a special status during this time as an inferior nuclear force, because of its extreme destructive power (provided that its forces were protected against a surprise attack), could deter a more powerful adversary. Deterrence is a strategy that tries to stop an opponent from initiating an action, or to carry out something that the other state does not want.
