Date of Graduation
Fall 2024
Degree
Master of Science in Defense and Strategic Studies
Department
School of Defense & Strategic Studies
Committee Chair
John Rose
Abstract
This paper studies the evolving landscape of global security in the 21st century and the imperative of the United States to bolster its deterrence efforts and strategic posture to counter dynamic adversarial ambitions and capabilities. The principal solution for this challenge is to achieve integrated deterrence, as outlined in the 2022 National Defense Strategy, through strengthened interoperability among U.S. and allied conventional and nuclear forces. This solution was developed through an assessment of the events, policies, and ethical underpinnings of military operations throughout the 1900s. The study of these seminal factors illuminated the need to advocate for the adaptation of conventional use and nuclear deterrence strategies of the 1900s to better fit the current, multipolar era of Great Power Competition. Furthermore, this paper emphasizes the value of a unified security posture that integrates operational plans, tailored deterrence calculus, and all available assets seamlessly to maximize a deterrent effect. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of continuity in modernizing the nuclear triad and enhancing operational preparedness through Conventional Nuclear Integration (CNI) investments and training exercises. The concept of CNI is a critical strategy to manage escalation and enhance adaptability in responding to these multifaceted threats, thereby strengthening the credibility of U.S. deterrence efforts and providing leadership with flexibility across the spectrum of conflict should deterrence falter or fail. This paper recommends incremental steps and collaborative efforts in the near term across the Joint Force and with Allies and partners to fully realize these objectives, positioning the U.S. to maintain strategic stability in the complex geopolitical environment.
Keywords
deterrence, conventional and nuclear integration, integrated deterrence, global security, strategic stability
Subject Categories
Defense and Security Studies | International Relations | Military and Veterans Studies | Other International and Area Studies | Peace and Conflict Studies | Policy History, Theory, and Methods
Copyright
© Emily Louise Russo
Recommended Citation
Russo, Emily Louise, "Achieving Integrated Deterrence Through Conventional and Nuclear Integration" (2024). MSU Graduate Theses/Dissertations. 4020.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/4020
Open Access
Included in
Defense and Security Studies Commons, International Relations Commons, Military and Veterans Studies Commons, Other International and Area Studies Commons, Peace and Conflict Studies Commons, Policy History, Theory, and Methods Commons
