Deterrence is a strategy used to prevent unwanted actions, particularly in the context of military and criminal behavior. It relies on the idea that the threat of significant consequences will discourage individuals or groups from engaging in harmful activities. For example, the presence of law enforcement can deter crime by increasing the perceived risk of arrest and punishment. In international relations, deterrence often involves the use of military power to prevent aggression from other nations. Countries may maintain strong defense systems or form alliances to signal that any attack would lead to severe retaliation, thereby discouraging potential aggressors from taking hostile actions.