Overview

This book offers a reconceptualisation of conventional deterrence theory, and applies it to enduring rivalries in the Middle East and South Asia. The work argues that many of the problems encountered in the development of deterrence theory lay in the fact that the theory was developed during the Cold War, when the immediate problem it had to address was how to prevent catastrophic nuclear wars. The logic of nuclear deterrence compelled a preoccupation with the problem of stability, over credibility; however, the logic of conventional deterrence is different, and the solution of the tension between credibility and stability is achieved by deference to credibility, due to the requirements of costly signaling. Most testing of the theory took place in conventional deterrence situations and the lessons learned were used to undermine a theory that was developed for the nuclear realm. Tests of deterrence theory do not, however, instill much confidence. Deterrence theory is challenged not only by observations of constant failures but also by the fact that exceedingly weak actors play a prominent role in them. This book aims to narrow the gap between theory and evidence, and to show how a reconceptualization of the theory that treats deterrence success not as an act of abstention from a challenge in single deterrence encounters but as a process that culminates in the internalization of deterrence is better suited to account for deterrence success, a finding that has eluded deterrence theorists for long. Studies of immediate deterrence encounters generate a very limited understanding of a far more complex dynamic of deterrence that can be understood only as a process of learning over time from defeat, failure and war. This interdisciplinary book will be of much interest to students of deterrence theory, strategic studies, international security, Middle Eastern studies, and IR in general.

Full Product Details

Author:   Elli Lieberman (Missouri State University, USA)
Publisher:   Taylor & Francis Ltd
Imprint:   Routledge
Dimensions:   Width: 15.60cm , Height: 2.30cm , Length: 23.40cm
Weight:   0.770kg
ISBN:  

9780415682138

ISBN 10:   0415682134
Pages:   328
Publication Date:   06 August 2012
Audience:   General/trade ,  College/higher education ,  Professional and scholarly ,  General ,  Tertiary & Higher Education
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print  
This item will be ordered in for you from one of our suppliers. Upon receipt, we will promptly dispatch it out to you. For in store availability, please contact us.

Table of Contents

"1. Theoretical Considerations 2. The Israeli-Egyptian Rivalry, 1948-1973 Part I: From Failure to Success, 1948-1967 Part II: Turning Point: The Six-Day War Part III: ""Design Around I"": The War of Attrition Part IV: ""Design Around II"" The Yom Kippur War 3. The Israeli-Hezbollah Rivalry Conclusion"

Reviews

Lieberman challenges traditional deterrence theory, arguing that the concepts developed to explain Cold War rivalries are not suitable for non-nuclear (conventional) deterrence. He uses as case studies the Egyptian-Israeli rivalry up to 1973 and the tension between Israel and Hezbollah. - Survival Looking at deterrence theory and history through the lens of a learning process, as is so well detailed in this book, will enable the strategic thinker to see beyond solitary military crises and find the reasons behind periods of stability. Reconceptualizing Deterrence adds greatly to our understanding not only of the Middle East, but of deterrence in general, and the painstaking process it takes to maintain it. - Matthew R. Costlow

Lieberman challenges traditional deterrence theory, arguing that the concepts developed to explain Cold War rivalries are not suitable for non-nuclear (conventional) deterrence. He uses as case studies the Egyptian-Israeli rivalry up to 1973 and the tension between Israel and Hezbollah. -- Survival Looking at deterrence theory and history through the lens of a learning process, as is so well detailed in this book, will enable the strategic thinker to see beyond solitary military crises and find the reasons behind periods of stability. Reconceptualizing Deterrence adds greatly to our understanding not only of the Middle East, but of deterrence in general, and the painstaking process it takes to maintain it. -- Matthew R. Costlow This thoughtful study, which centers primarily on the Israel-Egypt relationship, offers a convincing response to the literature on conventional deterrence...this well-written, nicely organized, and judiciously argued book brings insights to an important subject. Its lasting relevance is clear in the short penultimate chapter that explores the deterrence relationship that appears to have emerged between Israel and Hezbollah after their 2006 confrontation in Lebanon. -- James H. Lebovic, PSQ The book is a major contribution to the literature on conventional deterrence... . It is a significant contribution to the field of Security Studies. Its value lies in its revitalization of conventional discourse of Security Studies wherein the State is the key referent object. It also reestablishes the logic of political realism by locating the security problematique in the context of the State, dilemmas of its survival and the interface between political strategy and military capability for the protection of its cartographic identity.' --E-IR The book is an ambitious, carefully crafted examination of two series of deterrence interactions that took place in overarching extended rivalries (lengthy conflicts conducted on multiple levels up to and including warfare). ... The results of his efforts are very rewarding...' -- Patrick M. Morgan, Journal of Cold War Studies FORUM, Vol. 18, 4, 2016 'Lieberman convincingly argues that mutual deterrence, even when nuclear weapons are not emphasized, can indeed work effectively...The findings from these two case studies should be of tremendous relevance to any future world in which nuclear weapons have been totally and reliably eliminated. -- George H. Quester, Journal of Cold War Studies FORUM, Vol. 18, 4, 2016 'Reconceptualizing Deterrence is interesting and valuable in relation to the development of fourth-generation deterrence theory.' -- Jeffrey S. Lantis, Journal of Cold War Studies FORUM, Vol. 18, 4, 2016

Lieberman challenges traditional deterrence theory, arguing that the concepts developed to explain Cold War rivalries are not suitable for non-nuclear (conventional) deterrence. He uses as case studies the Egyptian-Israeli rivalry up to 1973 and the tension between Israel and Hezbollah. - Survival

Lieberman challenges traditional deterrence theory, arguing that the concepts developed to explain Cold War rivalries are not suitable for non-nuclear (conventional) deterrence. He uses as case studies the Egyptian-Israeli rivalry up to 1973 and the tension between Israel and Hezbollah. -- Survival Looking at deterrence theory and history through the lens of a learning process, as is so well detailed in this book, will enable the strategic thinker to see beyond solitary military crises and find the reasons behind periods of stability. Reconceptualizing Deterrence adds greatly to our understanding not only of the Middle East, but of deterrence in general, and the painstaking process it takes to maintain it. -- Matthew R. Costlow This thoughtful study, which centers primarily on the Israel-Egypt relationship, offers a convincing response to the literature on conventional deterrence...this well-written, nicely organized, and judiciously argued book brings insights to an important subject. Its lasting relevance is clear in the short penultimate chapter that explores the deterrence relationship that appears to have emerged between Israel and Hezbollah after their 2006 confrontation in Lebanon. -- James H. Lebovic, PSQ The book is a major contribution to the literature on conventional deterrence... . It is a significant contribution to the field of Security Studies. Its value lies in its revitalization of conventional discourse of Security Studies wherein the State is the key referent object. It also reestablishes the logic of political realism by locating the security problematique in the context of the State, dilemmas of its survival and the interface between political strategy and military capability for the protection of its cartographic identity.' --E-IR The book is an ambitious, carefully crafted examination of two series of deterrence interactions that took place in overarching extended rivalries (lengthy conflicts conducted on multiple levels up to and including warfare). ... The results of his efforts are very rewarding...' -- Patrick M. Morgan, Journal of Cold War Studies FORUM, Vol. 18, 4, 2016 'Lieberman convincingly argues that mutual deterrence, even when nuclear weapons are not emphasized, can indeed work effectively...The findings from these two case studies should be of tremendous relevance to any future world in which nuclear weapons have been totally and reliably eliminated. -- George H. Quester, Journal of Cold War Studies FORUM, Vol. 18, 4, 2016 'Reconceptualizing Deterrence is interesting and valuable in relation to the development of fourth-generation deterrence theory.' -- Jeffrey S. Lantis, Journal of Cold War Studies FORUM, Vol. 18, 4, 2016

Author Information

Elli Lieberman is a Lecturer on International Relations at the Missouri State University, Department of Defense and Strategic Studies and at Loyola University Maryland. His work has appeared in Security Studies, the Institute for National Strategic Studies, and several books. He is a MacArthur Scholar recipient.

Tab Content 6

Author Website:  

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

No review item found!

Add your own review!

Countries Available

All regions