deterrence, n.Definitions

Deterrence is the best way to avoid war — Let him who desires peace prepare for war.

Deterrence is ultimately nothing more than penalties that deter those not inclined to commit any crimes.

Deterrence is effective — He who punishes one gives counsel to a hundred.

Deterrence is the art of producing, in the mind of the enemy, the fear to attack.

Deterrence is grounded in the notion that one sword keeps another in the sheath.

Deterrence is punishment's justification — Men are not hanged for stealing horses, but that horses may not be stolen.

Deterrence is important — a good navy is not a provocation to war. It is the surest guaranty of peace.

Deterrence is inneffectual — no punishment has ever possessed enough power of deterrence to prevent the commission of crimes. On the contrary, whatever the punishment, once a specific crime has appeared for the first time, its reappearance is more likely than its initial emergence could ever have been.