Reconceptualizing Deterrence

Elli Lieberman is a Lecturer on International Relations at the Missouri State University, Department of Defense and Strategic Studies and at Loyola University Maryland. His work has appeared in Security Studies, the Institute for National Strategic Studies, and several books. He is a MacArthur Scholar recipient.

"Lieberman challenges traditional deterrence theory, arguing that the concepts developed to explain Cold War rivalries are not suitable for non-nuclear (conventional) deterrence. He uses as case studies the Egyptian-Israeli rivalry up to 1973 and the tension between Israel and Hezbollah." -- Survival"Looking at deterrence theory and history through the lens of “a learning process,” as is so well detailed in this book, will enable the strategic thinker to see beyond solitary military crises and find the reasons behind periods of stability. Reconceptualizing Deterrence adds greatly to our understanding not only of the Middle East, but of deterrence in general, and the painstaking process it takes to maintain it." -- Matthew R. Costlow"This thoughtful study, which centers primarily on the Israel–Egypt relationship, offers a convincing response to the literature on conventional deterrence...this well-written, nicely organized, and judiciously argued book brings insights to an important subject. Its lasting relevance is clear in the short penultimate chapter that explores the deterrence relationship that appears to have emerged between Israel and Hezbollah after their 2006 confrontation in Lebanon."-- James H. Lebovic, PSQ"The book is a major contribution to the literature on conventional deterrence… . It is a significant contribution to the field of Security Studies. Its value lies in its revitalization of conventional discourse of Security Studies wherein the State is the key referent object. It also reestablishes the logic of political realism by locating the security problematique in the context of the State, dilemmas of its survival and the interface between political strategy and military capability for the protection of its cartographic identity.' --E-IR"The book is an ambitious, carefully crafted examination of two series of deterrence interactions that took place in overarching "extended rivalries" (lengthy conflicts conducted on multiple levels up to and including warfare). … The results of his efforts are very rewarding…' -- Patrick M. Morgan, Journal of Cold War Studies FORUM, Vol. 18, 4, 2016'Lieberman convincingly argues that mutual deterrence, even when nuclear weapons are not emphasized, can indeed work effectively...The findings from these two case studies should be of tremendous relevance to any future world in which nuclear weapons have been totally and reliably eliminated." -- George H. Quester, Journal of Cold War Studies FORUM, Vol. 18, 4, 2016'Reconceptualizing Deterrence is interesting and valuable in relation to the development of "fourth-generation" deterrence theory.' -- Jeffrey S. Lantis, Journal of Cold War Studies FORUM, Vol. 18, 4, 2016

• 1. Theoretical Considerations 2. The Israeli-Egyptian Rivalry, 1948-1973 Part I: From Failure to Success, 1948-1967 Part II: Turning Point: The Six-Day War Part III: "Design Around I": The War of Attrition Part IV: "Design Around II" The Yom Kippur War 3. The Israeli-Hezbollah Rivalry Conclusion