Why do non-state actors, such as terrorist organizations, pose a challenge for a foreign policy based on deterrence?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Deterrence relies on the ability to threaten a state with negative consequences in order to discourage unwanted behavior. Non-state actors, such as terrorist organizations, do not have a clear territorial organization or a physical location that can be targeted, which makes it difficult to deter their actions through traditional means. Therefore, option A is the best choice because non-state actors have no countries to threaten. Option B is incorrect because not all non-state actors possess weapons of mass destruction. Option C may be true for some individuals within a terrorist organization, but it is not an accurate characterization of all such groups. Option D is irrelevant to the issue of deterrence and non-state actors.

Why Do Non-State Actors, Such as Terrorist Organizations, Pose a Challenge