OPINION:
Clifford May has sounded the right note (“Restoring deterrence should be America’s most urgent task in 2024,” Web, Dec. 26). While most governments want to avoid conflict, fewer recognize that strength through deterrence is the only real way to achieve their objective.
Too many relate the whole concept of deterrence to the avoidance of nuclear war through the concept of mutually assured destruction. In reality, deterrence is much broader. Whether the topic is commercial, economic, political, military or another international issue, it is essential never to underestimate an adversary’s capabilities — or overestimate your own.
Deterrence can only be achieved by demonstrating not just that we have the strength, but that we have the willingness to use such capabilities in defense of our interests.
No nation can even respect itself when it is invaded daily by thousands of undocumented individuals who merely walk into our country unopposed.
Unfortunately, the Biden administration has projected weakness — even meekness —when facing this invasion and threats and other actions by Russia, China, Iran and even North Korea. Instead of the shining beacon on the hill bravely standing for peace and prosperity around the world, we have become almost irrelevant. There may be time to restore deterrence to our dealings, but we better move fast before it is too late.
STANLEY ORMAN
Rockville, Maryland
