Description
In an era of turbulence, new approaches to the study of deterrence need to be developed. Traditionally, the threat of the use of nuclear weapons by states has dominated deterrence strategy. Within a 21st century context, this threat still exists, but so do threats from both states and non -state actors and across a wide range of domains. Deterrence needs to adapt to address this. The challenge lies in how to overcome institutional barriers and foster a new generation of experts able to share their knowledge and expertise within different disciplines to foster innovative approaches to deterrence. The development of a deterrence mentoring network may provide a step towards achieving this. This article summarises steps that are being taken to achieve this.
It is argued that a mentoring network offers the opportunity for formal and informal networks to be established between academia and policy makers, thus helping to bridge any differences in practice and gaps in understanding between these fields. Closer collaborative links between experts provides the opportunity for greater collaboration to establish new approaches to deterrence, thus helping to inform policy and make a difference.
