92nd Air Refueling Wing demonstrates strategic deterrence readiness for Titan Fury 24-2

KC-135 Stratotankers take off from the runway during exercise Titan Fury 24-2 at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, March 22, 2024. During the exercise, Airmen demonstrated how Fairchild AFB generates and provides, when directed, specially trained and equipped KC-135 Stratotanker crews to conduct critical air refueling of U.S. Strategic Command-assigned strategic bomber and command and control aircraft. For decades, the KC-135 has been the backbone of Air Mobility Command’s air refueling capabilities around the world because of its ability to extend global reach and project U.S. air power. This exercise demonstrated how the 92nd Air Refueling Wing is engaged, postured and ready with a credible force to assure, deter and defend in an increasingly complex security environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Megan Delaine)

Tailored Integrated Deterrence in a Multipolar World

Published May 5, 2026
By 341MW

Developing nuanced deterrence strategies for state and non-state actors with varying nuclear capabilities and risk tolerances (e.g., Russia, China, North Korea, Iran). D.I.M.E. model along with nuclear capabilities.

Bergin, Capt. Connor T., "Beyond Brinksmanship: How Evolving Nuclear Deterrence Endangers Strategic Stability," AFGC thesis, 2025, 43 pgs.
- Bergin answers these topics by exploring the profound challenges of a fragmented, multipolar nuclear landscape where the US must simultaneously deter Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran. He argues that multipolarity undermines the predictable, binary logic of Cold War extended deterrence, introducing unpredictable escalation pathways through overlapping alliances and asymmetric capabilities. To adapt to this crowded strategic arena, Bergin recommends shifting away from grand multilateral treaties to focus on developing flexible, region-specific arms control agreements targeting specific high-risk behaviors, while continually reaffirming extended deterrence commitments through joint exercises and integrated defense planning.
Thrasher, Maj. Michael, "Doomed to Succeed? Understanding Nuclear Deterrence and Its Past and Future Roles in National Security," AF Global College thesis, 2024, 36 pgs.