ID | 165102 |
Title Proper | Weak party escalation |
Other Title Information | an underestimated strategy for small states? |
Language | ENG |
Author | Angstrom, Jan ; Petersson, Magnus |
Summary / Abstract (Note) | In this article, we develop the strategic rationale behind weak party escalation against stronger adversaries. There are, we suggest, four main strategies: to provoke a desired over-reaction from the stronger adversary; to compartmentalize conflict within a domain in which the weak party has advantages; to carve a niche with a stronger ally, and to forge a reputation of not yielding lightly. Spelling out these different logics contributes to the literature on small state strategies and escalation. It also suggests, contrary to much of the existing literature, that it can be rational for weak parties to escalate against great powers. |
`In' analytical Note | Journal of Strategic Studies Vol. 42, No.2; Apr 2019: p. 282-300 |
Journal Source | Journal of Strategic Studies Vol: 42 No 2 |
Key Words | Rationality ; Asymmetry ; Small State ; Escalation ; Strategy |