What was considered the cornerstone of deterrence during the Cold War?

During the Cold War, the cornerstone of deterrence was primarily viewed as the concept of mutually assured destruction, which was operationalized through the Strategic Air Command (SAC). SAC was responsible for the United States' land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and nuclear bomber forces. The presence of these systems was intended to deter aggression from the Soviet Union or any other potential adversary by ensuring that any nuclear attack against the United States would result in a catastrophic retaliatory strike.

The strategy relied on the notion that both sides possessed enough nuclear capability to inflict unacceptable damage upon each other, thus preventing either side from initiating a conflict. This balance of power fundamentally shaped military strategies and international relations during that period. The establishment of SAC and its extensive nuclear arsenal underscored the importance placed on air power and strategic bombing in the defense posture of the United States.

While naval superiority, ground troop strength, and nuclear submarines played important roles in the overall defense strategy during the Cold War, they did not serve as the primary method of deterrence in the way that strategic air forces did. The focus on SAC highlights the significance of air power and the nuclear triad in maintaining peace and stability during a time characterized by intense geopolitical tension.