Inspection systems should be overbuilt for crisis contingencies beyond their agreed routine purpose.

Evidence

For the purpose of being at least somewhat prepared for crises and unforeseen situations, there is a good argument for instituting some flexible stand-by arrangements for communicating with potential enemies and inspecting each other. In particular there is a good argument for overbuilding an inspection system relative to such use as has been agreed on. Having standby capacity to enlarge or intensify the system, or to augment it with additional facilities and inspectors, may have a good deal to do with the usefulness of the system in time of crisis. — Thomas C. Schelling, The Strategy of Conflict, 579

Categorization

• SHARE: For anyone who designs monitoring or verification systems of any kind: overbuild for the contingency you can’t foresee, because you can’t assemble capacity in the hours you’ll have.
• XREF: connects to: Inspection schemes can gather too much information and increase vulnerability — Thomas C. Schelling, The Strategy of Conflict, 558