Why is deterrence the central goal of nuclear strategy?

Deterrence is the central goal of nuclear strategy because the destructive power of nuclear weapons is so immense that their use against a similarly armed opponent would result in ruinous, mutual retaliation. Consequently, the primary purpose of a nuclear military establishment shifted from winning wars to averting them.12

The strategy functions by maintaining a credible, visible capability to inflict unacceptable damage on an adversary, even after surviving a surprise attack. This creates a deterrent effect by preventing adverse enemy behaviors rather than relying on concrete measures to block or punish them.321

Key elements of this strategy include:
* Credibility: An aggressor must believe that the target power has both the capability and the potential will to retaliate.3
* Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD): A doctrine based on the principle that a nuclear attack would trigger an overwhelming counterattack, ensuring that both the attacker and the defender face annihilation.4
* Stability: By creating a stalemate where neither side can hope to attack successfully, nuclear strategy aims to maintain a stable international environment.2

Ultimately, the goal is to prevent aggression by ensuring that the risks of conflict are perceived as catastrophic.1