demonstrative compellence

Demonstrative compellence is a strategy in international relations where a state uses a limited application of force, coupled with the threat of escalating violence, to compel another state to meet its demands. This approach, often termed the "diplomacy of violence," aims to persuade an opponent to relinquish something desired by making them vulnerable.1

Unlike deterrence, which seeks to prevent an opponent from acting by threatening punishment, compellence requires a more active and often costly commitment to action. It is generally considered more difficult to achieve than deterrence because targets may fear reputational damage if they comply, and large bureaucracies can be slow to respond. Compellence can also be achieved through diplomatic means, involving verbal threats and promises, often underpinned by the implicit threat of military action.1