Journal Article - Quarterly Journal: International Security
Arms Control as Wedge Strategy: How Arms Limitation Deals Divide Alliances
Summary
Motives for strategic arms control are conventionally framed in terms of their potential to enhance stability by limiting certain weapons, avoiding costly arms races, or preserving military advantage. But states can also use strategic arms control to divide adversaries. Wedge strategy theory explains how arms control can do so by influencing threat perceptions, trust, and beliefs about a commitments’ trade-offs. Three landmark strategic arms control negotiations show how the wedge motive informed these negotiations and influenced great power relations.
Want to Read More?
The full text of this publication is available via the original publication source.
For more information on this publication:
Belfer Communications Office
For Academic Citation:
Timothy W. Crawford and Khang X. Vu, "Arms Control as Wedge Strategy: How Arms Limitation Deals Divide Alliances," International Security, Vol. 46, No. 2 (Fall 2021), pp. 91–129, doi.org/10.1162/isec_a_00420.
- Recommended
- In the Spotlight
- Most Viewed
Recommended
Analysis & Opinions
- Aljazeera
Closing the Deal: The US, Iran, and the JCPOA
Analysis & Opinions
- MSNBC
Can Pompeo, Mattis impact Bolton's role?
Analysis & Opinions
- Future of Diplomacy Project
India: Quiet confidence in deterrence
In the Spotlight
Most Viewed
Policy Brief
- Quarterly Journal: International Security
Oil, Conflict, and U.S. National Interests
Journal Article
- Research Policy
The Relationship Between Science and Technology
Analysis & Opinions
- Foreign Policy
Was Henry Kissinger Really a Realist?
Summary
Motives for strategic arms control are conventionally framed in terms of their potential to enhance stability by limiting certain weapons, avoiding costly arms races, or preserving military advantage. But states can also use strategic arms control to divide adversaries. Wedge strategy theory explains how arms control can do so by influencing threat perceptions, trust, and beliefs about a commitments’ trade-offs. Three landmark strategic arms control negotiations show how the wedge motive informed these negotiations and influenced great power relations.
Want to Read More?
The full text of this publication is available via the original publication source.Timothy W. Crawford and Khang X. Vu, "Arms Control as Wedge Strategy: How Arms Limitation Deals Divide Alliances," International Security, Vol. 46, No. 2 (Fall 2021), pp. 91–129, doi.org/10.1162/isec_a_00420.
- Recommended
- In the Spotlight
- Most Viewed
Recommended
Analysis & Opinions - Aljazeera
Closing the Deal: The US, Iran, and the JCPOA
Analysis & Opinions - MSNBC
Can Pompeo, Mattis impact Bolton's role?
Analysis & Opinions - Future of Diplomacy Project
India: Quiet confidence in deterrence
In the Spotlight
Most Viewed
Policy Brief - Quarterly Journal: International Security
Oil, Conflict, and U.S. National Interests
Journal Article - Research Policy
The Relationship Between Science and Technology
Analysis & Opinions - Foreign Policy
Was Henry Kissinger Really a Realist?