A policy of deterrence is likely to fail against terrorist groups because
A) history has shown that only democratic nation-states respond well to deterrence.
B) deterrence has been made illegal under international law.
C) terrorist groups are nonstate actors who may believe that their lack of a fixed geographic location prevents their targets from retaliating militarily.
D) terrorist groups do not yet have access to nuclear weapons.
E) terrorist groups do not typically enter into negotiations with nation-states.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Deterrence relies on the threat of retaliation or punishment to discourage an adversary from taking a particular course of action. However, terrorist groups are nonstate actors who may believe that their lack of a fixed geographic location makes it difficult for their targets to retaliate militarily, making deterrence ineffective. Additionally, terrorist groups are not interested in negotiating with nation-states, so diplomatic efforts to deter them may also fail.

A Policy of Deterrence Is Likely to Fail Against Terrorist