Expanded deterrence: broadening the threat of retaliation

Accelerating advances in computing, biotechnology, nanotechnology have democratized destructive power - up to the point at which a single individual may have the power to do enormous damage.2 Today we see this peril most plainly in the justified fears about the use of the first and greatest absolute weapon - the nuclear bomb. In effect, we would simply be bringing to bear the real correlation of factors, matching accountability with responsibility and capability.\n Instead, such a policy would require a capabilities mix that would allow the fullest range of responses compatible with budgetary considerations and international obligations - including, necessarily, the capabilities to meet our treaty obligations not to target civilians who are in no way complicit in a terrorist attack.