The Pentagon last week rolled out its Nuclear Posture Review, which lays out in broad terms America’s strategy of deterrence by maintaining a powerful arsenal of nuclear-armed submarines, bombers, and land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles.

The unclassified version of the document is intended to send a clear message to friend and foe alike that any nuclear or devastating conventional attack against the U.S., or allies who come under America’s nuclear umbrella, will be met with a response that will exceed any military or political advantage.