What is the concept of deterrence in the context of nuclear weapons?

What is the concept of deterrence in the context of nuclear weapons?

The concept of deterrence in the context of nuclear weapons refers to the strategy of preventing an adversary from taking hostile actions by convincing them that the costs and risks of such actions would outweigh any potential benefits. It is based on the belief that the possession and threat of using nuclear weapons can deter potential aggressors from attacking, as the fear of devastating retaliation would dissuade them. Deterrence relies on the principle of mutually assured destruction (MAD), where both sides possess enough nuclear capabilities to ensure that any attack would result in catastrophic consequences for all parties involved. The goal of deterrence is to maintain stability and prevent the use of nuclear weapons by creating a credible and strong deterrent posture.