Key Terms & Concepts — UPSC Mains
Deterrence
GS2
GS3
"The act of discouraging or preventing an action by instilling fear of consequences; in strategic affairs, the preventi..."
Definition
The act of discouraging or preventing an action by instilling fear of consequences; in strategic affairs, the prevention of aggression by making the cost of attack unacceptably high
⭐ Significance for UPSC
Indispensable for GS2 (India's foreign policy) and GS3 (security, defence, nuclear policy). Key phrases: 'nuclear deterrence', 'credible minimum deterrence', 'conventional deterrence', 'extended deterrence' (US nuclear umbrella over allies). India's nuclear doctrine (No First Use + credible minimum deterrence) appears repeatedly in Mains.
Example / Context
India's nuclear doctrine of credible minimum deterrence is designed to dissuade adversaries from first use without requiring a massive, costly arsenal.
Mains GS Relevance
GS Paper 2
Polity, Governance, IR, Social Justice
GS Paper 3
Economy, Environment, S&T, Security