Publication

This paper focuses on the theory and practice of coercive diplomacy. In particular, it highlights its essential logic; it examines three ways it can be applied – immediate deterrence, blackmail, and compellence; it discusses the difficulties and costs each application entails; it highlights the ways the users of these methods can increase their odds of success; and finally, it examines the role and utility of coercive techniques, to include isolation, in three major components of US security policy—humanitarian intervention, counter-proliferation, and regime change.