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OPINION NOVEMBER 08, 2024 | The Indian Eye 12

Two Fronts, One Strategy: The US

Approach of Integrated Deterrence

In response to the emerging security environment, integrated deterrence talks about integrating all instruments
of power, including strategic deterrence, under a coordinated military modernization plan at strategic and

conventional levels to deter the potential adversaries during a limited and non-nuclear strategic attack

MRITYUNJAY GOSWAMI

eterrence, as a security appa-
ratus, is fundamental to the
DAmerican foreign policy and
security framework. It aims to main-
tain strategic stability against the US
adversaries. The rise of a multipolar
world order in a “new era” is marked
by increased competition among ma-
jor powers, driven by China’s eco-
nomic and military rise and the resur-
gence of conflict in Europe. That has
imposed strategic constraints on the
existing US deterrence framework.
The US policymakers and of-
ficials acknowledged that the US is
facing two near-peer rivals. With en-
hanced strategic and non-strategic
conventional warfare capabilities, the
US has been prompted to explore a
new deterrence strategy. Lieutenant
General Richard M Clark, former In response to the shifting US deterrence posture, from traditional strategic deterrence to the integrated approach, the US is facing backlash
Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic from both Russia and China (Agency file photo)
Deterrence and Nuclear Integration,
a position in the United States Air new deterrence strategy was subse- rence strategy, distinguishing be- clear attacks but also assuring allies
Force tasked with guidance, advoca- quently incorporated into the 2022 tween conventional and strategic or and partners about the resilience and
cy and integration of the nuclear de- National Defense Strategy (NDS) nuclear deterrence. effectiveness of deterrence capabili-
terrence mission of the US Air Force released by the Biden Administra- In response to the emerging ties of the US forces across different
stated, “The lines are more blurred tion. During the official approval of security environment, integrated spectrums and domains of warfare.
between conventional and nuclear the 2022 National Defense Strategy deterrence talks about integrating To integrate all means of power un-
warfare strategies, and the US needs report, President Biden stated that all instruments of power, including der a common framework strategy,
to start thinking in a way that may we are living in a “decisive decade” strategic deterrence, under a coordi- the concept of Conventional-Nuclear
be different from what the US has marked by rapid changes in geopol- nated military modernization plan at Integration, or CNI, was highlighted
thought about in the last 20 years.” itics, technology and the economic strategic and conventional levels to as a leading priority in the 2018 Nu-
To maintain the effectiveness of front. The NDS 2022 identified Chi- deter the potential adversaries during clear Posture Review. The CNI works
deterrence posture against key nu- na as the primary geostrategic threat a limited and non-nuclear strategic to build and integrate alliances and
clear adversaries and deter any ad- to the US in the coming decades. attack which includes non-nuclear partnerships in three significant areas
versarial action during “grey zone” Russia was characterized as an “acute strategic weapons like conventional of confrontation with peer nuclear
conflicts, the White House has come threat” with restricted strategic capa- precision strike capabilities ( cruise adversaries: the Indo-Pacific, Europe
up with a refined version of the de- bilities to project power beyond its missiles, ballistic missiles, hyperson- and West Asia.
terrence strategy called “integrated immediate borders. ic glide vehicles, Unmanned Aerial Assured sustainability and
deterrence.” The core principle of the US Vehicles). It also addresses cyber strengthening of integrated deter-
This paper will analyze the US integrated deterrence strategy is threats and potential harm to critical rence posture talks about interoper-
understanding of integrated deter- to “deter a conventional war with infrastructure affecting US allies and ability of military and naval assets of
rence and how the US is working to nuclear adversaries by integrating partners. US forces that enables and enhances
operationalize this strategy. all domains of conventional, nucle- The Objectives of Integrated coalition with allies and partners un-
What is Integrated Deterrence? ar, cyber, space and informational Deterrence der sustained capabilities, combined
across the theatre of competition and collaborative force planning, de-
ntegrated deterrence, as a strate- and potential conflicts ranging from he objectives of integrated de- rived from four parameters for inte-
gy, was first outlined in the 2018 high-intensity warfare to grey zone.” terrence are not just limited to grated deterrence as outlined in the
IUS Nuclear Posture Review Integrated deterrence represents a Tdeterring a nuclear adversary NPR 2018:
(NPR) under President Trump. The shift from the traditional US deter- from launching nuclear and non-nu- Continued on next page... >>

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