Which of the following best describes “nuclear deterrence”?
the belief that a nuclear war would have no winner
the idea that no nuclear weapon was as strong as armed forces
the idea that the threat of nuclear war was enough to stop an attack
the competition to acquire more and deadlier weapons

The correct answer is the idea that the threat of nuclear war was enough to stop an attack.

The word "detterence" is defined as an action or situation which stops a person/group from performing a different action out of fear. In this case, countries are dettered from using nuclear weapons because they are worried how other countries would retaliate. This exchange of nuclear weapons could result in the deaths of millions of citizens in a short period of time. This is why many countries try their best to negotiate and create treaties with other countries whom they have problems with.

"the idea that the threat of nuclear war was enough to stop an attack"

Explanation:

The theory of deterrence is a term related to the use of nuclear weapons, which developed and gained pre-eminence as a military strategy during the Cold War. It gained a special status during this time as an inferior nuclear force, because of its extreme destructive power (provided that its forces were protected against a surprise attack), could deter a more powerful adversary.

Deterrence is a strategy that tries to stop an opponent from initiating an action, or to carry out something that the other state does not want. Nuclear deterrence specialist Bernard Brodie pointed out in 1959 that "Nuclear weapons must always be ready, but they should never be used."