# Minimal Deterrence

The Lean Deterrent: Why Some Western Analysts Argue the U.S. Should Mimic China’s Missile Strategy

Analyst Philip Pilkington suggests the U.S. should adopt China's 'minimal deterrence' nuclear model and conventional missile focus to reduce costs and the risk of accidental war. This strategy would involve moving from an interventionist 'imperial' military posture to a more cost-effective 'defensive island' model focused on survival and credible secondary strikes.