Deterrence theory is a defensive strategy developed after World War I and used throughout the

Cold War. It also figures somewhat in the current War on Terrorism. Under the strategy, a
government builds up or maintains military forces and weapons so that other powers will not
attack it in fear of a larger retaliation. John Foster Dulles elaborated that The heart of the
problem is how to deter attack. This... requires that a potential aggressor be left in no doubt that
he [or she] would... suffer damage outweighing any possible gains from aggression.[1]
Deterrence is viewed by some as the opposite of appeasement, where an expansionist
government is allowed to absorb some territory to reach a negotiated settlement. (See Munich
Agreement) Deterrence can be based on either WMD's, conventional weapons strength, or
both.