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About this quote

What does it mean?
If the US proceeds with missile deployment, the USSR will respond by deploying an equal weapon system.
In plain terms
The Soviets will match US missile deployments exactly.
What can you take from it?
Expect military actions to provoke equivalent responses.

Where it applies

  • defense policy
  • international relations
  • military

Putting it to work

  • negotiation
  • arms control
  • diplomacy

Questions to consider

  • Does matching weapons prevent war?
  • Is deterrence effective?

Another view

Modern non-nuclear threats might not follow this symmetry.

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