Escalation Dominance

Definition

The military capability to match or exceed an opponent's use of force at every level, from conventional warfare up to nuclear. It's strategic superiority at all degrees.

Example Usage

NATO strategists focused on maintaining escalation dominance in European security planning.

Origin

Cold War strategic doctrine developed by think tanks analyzing nuclear strategy

Fun Fact

Escalation dominance is easier to claim in theory than demonstrate in practice.

Source: RAND Corporation Strategic Studies

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