What does extended deterrence encompass in a military context?

Extended deterrence in a military context refers to the assurance provided by a state that it will use its military capabilities, both nuclear and nonnuclear, to protect its allies and partners from external threats. This concept goes beyond merely possessing advanced weaponry; it includes the commitment to defend allies in various scenarios, encompassing a broad range of threats that might arise.

By incorporating both nuclear and nonnuclear capabilities, extended deterrence aims to prevent potential aggressors from considering an attack against allies due to the certainty of a strong retaliatory response. This reinforces the security of alliances and contributes to regional stability. In contrast, limiting the scope to only nuclear defense strategies would not address situations where nonnuclear threats are present, thereby weakening the effectiveness of deterrence.

Additionally, the focuses on relative military strength of adversaries or cyber defense mechanisms, while important aspects of military strategy, do not fully encapsulate the multifaceted approach that extended deterrence involves. These elements can be components of overall defense strategy but do not define the comprehensive commitment to deter threats against allies and partners.