Minimum deterrence

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Minimum deterrence is the capability of inflicting damage upon enemies with the use of a small arsenal of nuclear weapons. The state with minimum deterrence capability could in effect deter other nations (possibly armed with nuclear weapons themselves) from aggression. A state usually obtains minimum deterrence capability after gaining a credible second strike capability.

Minimum deterrence is also the policy of having only nuclear weapons to cause significant damage to the other side and not cause nuclear winter. Proposed by Carl Sagan.