A threat binds only if the other believes it cannot be retracted

Evidence

But if we allow Row to make a threat, he declares that he will choose strategy ii unless Column chooses II; that is, he gives Column a choice of ii,I or i,II by committing himself to that conditional choice. If Column went ahead and chose I, of course, Row would prefer to choose i; and they both know it. The tactic succeeds only if Column believes that Row must choose ii in the event of I. — Thomas C. Schelling, The Strategy of Conflict, 297

Categorization

• XREF: This is the mechanics behind Don Corleone’s arbitration power: the Godfather’s threats work because Amèrigo and others believe he is honor-bound to carry them out regardless of cost. — connects to: A deterrent threat is only credible if control over its triggering is partly surrendered. — Thomas C. Schelling, The Strategy of Conflict, 429; Both rivals seek a detection advantage while hoping none is found — Thomas C. Schelling, The Strategy of Conflict, 543; A threat only coerces when the threatener has visibly left himself no choice — Thomas C. Schelling, The Strategy of Conflict, 293 (+2 more)

Related

• A threat only coerces when the threatener has visibly left himself no choice (similarity 0.89)
• A credible conditional commitment must combine both a promise and a threat. (similarity 0.82)
• A credible threat can subordinate the final decision to chance outside the threatener’s control (similarity 0.80)
• A threat to act is only credible if one is committed, not merely willing (similarity 0.79)
• Irreversible commitments force the enemy, not oneself, to be the one who yields. (similarity 0.79)
• A threat must be credible and credible threats require commitment (similarity 0.79)
• Credible commitment requires finding a penalty against one’s own nonperformance (similarity 0.79)
• A deterrent threat is only credible if control over its triggering is partly surrendered. (similarity 0.78)
• Deterrent threats can be passive but compellent threats require commitment (similarity 0.78)

Broader Connections

• A threat to act is only credible if one is committed, not merely willing #complicates (0.85) — Thomas C. Schelling, The Strategy of Conflict, 414
• Self-binding in advance defeats temptation that cannot be resisted at the moment #expands (0.75) — , A Year of World Stories, 14165