At the same time, however, the author identifies theories and strategies of nuclear deterrence that can be applied to modern conventional forces in a multi-polar world. There is a caution, however. That is, US deterrence strategy will require a delicate balance between conventional and nuclear forces. Failure to address realistically how and why the US force structure must change will likely result in an impotent mix of forces that will neither deter, nor be capable of meeting a given threat. This is a long but well reasoned analysis of a problem that is not yet well understood.
Additional questions abound.
Thus, in any effort to craft a preventive or deterrent strategy, knowledge of the adversary is critical. That alone allows for the development of a tailored strategy designed to address the essential elements of contention, or the most significant areas of vulnerability. Nevertheless, the author argues that, in the final analysis, terrorism is a contest of influence more so than it is a contest for power. The most effective deterrence strategy will approach the challenge as such. In this sobering contribution, Secretary of the Navy Danzig outlines the essentials of new, traumatic attacks on the US and its interests.