The Strategy of Conflict

Thomas C. Schelling's The Strategy of Conflict (1960) applies game theory to interactions between adversaries, particularly in international relations. Schelling, a Nobel laureate, explored how repeated interactions in trade, treaties, and conflicts can be analyzed. He argued that limiting one's own options can make remaining choices more credible, and that uncertain retaliation can be a stronger deterrent than certain retaliation.1

The book's insights are crucial to understanding deterrence, a strategy where the threat of reprisal prevents an attack. This is especially relevant in the context of nuclear weapons, where the credible ability to inflict unacceptable damage, even after a surprise attack (a "second-strike capability"), is key to maintaining stability and avoiding conflict.23