Credible Threat

One concept. Four tiers of command. Which do you speak?

Category: Strategy

Foundational Lexiconbelievable warning
Executive Parlanceenforceable deterrent
Scholarly Discoursecredibility-based dissuasion
Babel ZenithMutually Assured Destruction
Origin: Cold War
Pronunciation: /ˌmjuːtʃuəli əˈʃʊəd dɪˈstrʌkʃən/

Etymology & Meaning

When both sides face guaranteed annihilation in conflict.

In the Boardroom

Both firms holding patents that could destroy the other's business.

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