Taking the long view of deterrence

• Published in: Journal of strategic studies 2005-10, Vol.28 (5), p.751-763
• Main Author: Morgan, Patrick M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cold War; Community; Deterrence; International Relations; International security; International system; Legitimacy; NATO; Norms; Weapons of mass destruction
• ISSN: 0140-2390; 1743-937X
• DOI: 10.1080/01402390500393837

In this first response in a roundtable discussion on Sir Lawrence Freedman's book Deterrence, the author characterizes the concept of deterrence as a security management system that is evolving, & therefore relevant as a contemporary resource for the international system. Freedman's use of the term "internalized deterrence" is unpacked to explore the possibly antithetical use of internalized norms & internalized deterrence that rests on a vision of changing international actor behavior through the spread of international norms. The author critiques the role of deterrence in inculcating norms, citing the role of elite in Europe in the limitation of conflict & promotion of cooperation. Freedman's perspective on community development is characterized as a long-term development that will depend on a strong sense of international community. The author concludes that the creation of legitimacy through embedded norms, & a multilateral approach by the US will create a collective of actors to internalize deterrence norms for credibility. J. Harwell