Understanding General Deterrence Theory and Application [Hardcover]

This book bridges the divide between formal and quantitative studies of deterrence by empirically testing and extending perfect deterrence theory. The author focuses on general deterrence, which relates to managing relations between states at all times, not only during crises.Purpose and Method General Deterrence Case Selection Testing Perfect Deterrence Theory Three-Party Extended Deterrence Settlements, Deterrence, and Recurrent Conflict Appendix 1: FORTRAN Program Used to Determine Active Dyads Appendix 2: Subgame Perfect Equilibria of Three-Party Extended Deterrence Game Appendix 3: Perfect Bayesian Equilibria of Three-Party Extended Deterrence Game

This is the most sophisticated and ambitious book to be written on the elusive topic of general deterrence that I am aware of. Stephen L. Quackenbush masterfully integrates formal theory with quantitative empirical tests in a probing and rigorous analysis that generates many insights into the onset of military confrontations, the reliability of alliances, and the durability of conflict settlements. This book is essential reading for all scholars of deterrence and international conflict. - Paul Huth, University of Maryland A tour de force of theory development and testing. In this highly innovative work, Stephen L. Quackenbush pushes hard at the frontiers of theoretical knowledge about the dynamics of deterrence. Along the way he confronts head on a number of thorny methodological issues that have plagued previous empirical studies and offers compelling solutions to them. The next wave of scholarship on deterrence will have to start here. - Frank C. Zagare, University at Buffalo, SUNY Understanding General Deterrence is a significant contribution to the study of international conflict processes. Quackenbush succeeds in bridging the longstanding gap between formal and quantitative analysis of general deterrence. His clear and well-organized exposition reaches that goal in a number of ways. The concept of poll%