Second Strike Capability

Definition

Second strike capability refers to a country's assured ability to respond with powerful nuclear retaliation after suffering a nuclear attack. This capability is crucial for nuclear deterrence as it ensures that an adversary cannot eliminate a state's nuclear arsenal with a first strike, thus deterring them from initiating conflict in the first place.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Second strike capability ensures that even after a nuclear attack, a country can still launch a counterattack, thus deterring adversaries from launching a first strike.
2. This capability often relies on secure and survivable delivery systems, such as submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), which are difficult to target.
3. Nations with credible second strike capabilities generally maintain a no-first-use policy, signaling their commitment to use nuclear weapons only in retaliation.
4. The development of second strike capabilities has led to arms control agreements, as countries seek to balance their nuclear arsenals without sparking an arms race.
5. Strategic stability is enhanced by second strike capabilities, as they create a balance of power that discourages aggressive military actions.

Review Questions

• How does second strike capability function within the framework of nuclear deterrence theory?
  • Second strike capability plays a vital role in nuclear deterrence theory by ensuring that a state can retaliate after suffering an initial nuclear attack. This assurance dissuades potential aggressors from considering a first strike, knowing that they would face inevitable destruction in response. Essentially, it establishes a credible threat that reinforces the idea that nuclear war is unwinnable, thereby maintaining peace among nuclear powers.
• Evaluate the impact of second strike capability on international relations and arms control efforts.
  • Second strike capability significantly influences international relations by creating strategic stability among nuclear powers. Countries with assured retaliation options are less likely to engage in direct conflict due to the high stakes involved. This stability has led to various arms control efforts, as nations recognize the need to manage their arsenals and reduce the risk of escalation while maintaining a balance of power.
• Assess the ethical implications of relying on second strike capability as a strategy for national defense.
  • Relying on second strike capability raises important ethical questions regarding the acceptability of nuclear weapons as tools for national defense. While proponents argue that it enhances security and deters war, critics contend that it perpetuates a cycle of fear and could lead to catastrophic consequences if deterrence fails. Furthermore, the moral implications of threatening mass destruction complicate discussions about global security and disarmament efforts, making it essential to consider alternative strategies for maintaining peace.

Related terms

Mutually Assured Destruction: A military strategy in which full-scale use of nuclear weapons by two or more opposing sides would result in the complete annihilation of both the attacker and the defender.

Nuclear Deterrence: A strategy aimed at preventing an adversary from taking an undesirable action, particularly through the threat of retaliatory nuclear force.

Nuclear Arsenal: The collection of nuclear weapons owned by a nation, including delivery systems such as missiles and bombers.