Preview
Creation Date
Spring 2026
Description
This project determines how a shift from Bipolar to Multipolar international systems has impacted the effectiveness of traditional deterrence theory in the prevention of major conflicts between global superpowers. My Theory: Deterrence theory, generally assumes a clear and binary rivalry, rational actors, and a credible from of retaliation. This provided stability and prevented large scale war between the United States and the USSR during the cold war. In a multipolar world, the number of actors, intersecting alliances, and increased policy of uncertainty complicate these matters. This means more traditional deterrence methods may be less effective in managing modern conflict, below the threshold of open war, which includes cyber attacks, proxy conflicts, and hybrid warfare.
