Strategy

The Strategy of Conflict: 6 key ideas

by Thomas Schelling

The core ideas of The Strategy of Conflict, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.

1. IDEA 1 OF 6

   Conflict includes cooperation

   Most conflicts are bargaining situations where both sides share an interest in avoiding the worst outcome.

2. IDEA 2 OF 6

   Credible commitment

   Limiting your own options can strengthen your position, because a threat or promise only works if the other side believes it.

3. IDEA 3 OF 6

   Focal points

   Without communication, people coordinate on solutions that seem obvious or prominent.

   Shaping what feels natural shapes outcomes.

4. IDEA 4 OF 6

   The threat that leaves something to chance

   Introducing risk that neither side fully controls can deter an opponent more than a direct threat.

5. IDEA 5 OF 6

   Brinkmanship

   Deliberately raising shared risk can pressure the other side, but it is dangerous because control may slip.

6. IDEA 6 OF 6

   Bargaining power from weakness

   Sometimes the side that can't back down, or can't be reached, has the stronger hand.