Under Eisenhower, what policy stressed deterrence via nuclear weapons and limited conventional forces?

• A. Detente
• B. Flexible Response
• C. The New Look (Massive Retaliation)
• D. Containment

Answer: (C)

The main idea is deterrence through a strong nuclear threat paired with lean conventional forces. During Eisenhower, the United States emphasized building a powerful nuclear arsenal and delivery systems while reducing traditional, large-scale conventional forces to save money. This approach, known as The New Look, or Massive Retaliation, argued that the threat of a devastating nuclear response would deter any Soviet aggression without the United States having to fight costly conventional wars. Detente, flexible response, and containment describe different strategies or eras and don’t capture this specific emphasis on nuclear deterrence plus reduced conventional forces.