Overview

From the rising significance of non-state actors to the increasing influence of regional powers, the nature and conduct of international politics has changed dramatically since the Cold War era. Yet much of the literature on how states deter and compel potential adversaries continues to draw upon precepts formulated for a state-centric, bipolar world in which single nations attempt to coerce other states via traditional military means. However, contemporary coercers-states, non-state actors, and international organizations-target both state and non-state adversaries. Coercion is a state-of-the-art overview of the topic that weaves together fresh theoretical perspectives and contemporary case studies. The contributors draw upon extensive data and recent examples from around the globe to analyze intra-state, inter-state, and transnational deterrence and compellence. They also consider both military and non-military instruments of persuasion. Even while it focuses on contemporary conflict the contributors also acknowledge the importance of history. Synthesizing past approaches and new models Coercion is a field-spanning work that promises to reshape our understanding of the topic.