Publication

This paper discusses the theory of deterrence and the claim by Richard N Lebow and Janice G Stein that deterrence rarely succeeds. The author examines Lebow and Stein's conclusion that deterrence successes rarely occur and that leaders challenge deterrence, despite the defender's credible threats, because of political vulnerabilities. The paper argues that a flawed research design is the reason for Lebow and Stein's inability to find support for the postulates of deterrence theory.