As the security environment of many states changes, some may be persuaded to explore defense strategies embodying methods of nonviolent civilian resistance. An important question for civilian‐based defense strategies involves their deterrence potential. By integrating deterrence theories with research on popular mobilization and social movements, this article explores the requirements for evaluating the deterrence potential of civilian‐based defense. It concludes that civilian defense can be evaluated as if deterrence mattered, although much work remains to be done to articulate measurable indicators of the social powers that would be enga