Deterrence depends upon America’s overwhelming economic, political and military capability against an adversary and the belief by that enemy that America has the intent to use that capability if attacked. However, that does not mean that if America places an enemy in an untenable position involving its fear, honor and/or critical interests, that the enemy might choose war rather than back down. An example of a massive failure of deterrence theory was Japan’s decision to wage war against America during the Second World War. Even though Japan’s leaders believed they could not win a long-term war against America, they still made the decision to attack us at Pearl Harbor, hoping in vain that America would eventually settle for peace. The point is that battles and wars break out for numerous reasons, and it is dangerous and wrong, to rely only on deterrence theory for protection.