Why do states use brinkmanship?
A)States are always on the verge of going to war.
B)States can signal a high level of resolve by making a threat that appears likely to trigger extraordinary costs.
C)States can make significant threats but know they will always be able to hold back from starting a war.
D)States know that there is no real possibility of a crisis escalating into a devastating nuclear war.
E)A state can pretend to be taking a tough stand to please domestic groups while secretly negotiating a peaceful settlement with other states.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

States use brinkmanship to signal to other states that they are willing to take extraordinary risks and suffer high costs to achieve their objectives. This can deter adversaries from taking actions that the state sees as undesirable or force them to make concessions in negotiations. It is essentially a tactic to show the state's resolve and determination in achieving its goals. The other options are not entirely accurate or do not capture the essence of brinkmanship.

Why Do States Use Brinkmanship