Unstable focal points serve as signals rather than as outcomes

Evidence

Sometimes the focal point itself is inherently unstable. In that case it serves not as an outcome but as a sign of where to look for the outcome. This is often true of a “test vote” in a legislative body or a “test issue” that arises in the relations between the players in some continuing game. Often it is a challenge or a dare or an act of defiance that, by its nature, must either elicit a submissive response from the other party or be submissively withdrawn. It is a small piece of the game that comes to symbolize the game itself, setting a pattern of expectations that extends beyond the substance of the point involved. — Thomas C. Schelling, The Strategy of Conflict, 268

Categorization

• DEFINE: Defines the unstable focal point as a signal/test that symbolizes the larger game.
• XREF: connects to: Tacit coordination works through mutually recognized focal points — Thomas C. Schelling, The Strategy of Conflict, 134; Focal points require prominence and uniqueness to coordinate action — Thomas C. Schelling, The Strategy of Conflict, 148; A biased mediator can be accepted when clue-rich situations block focal points — Thomas C. Schelling, The Strategy of Conflict, 236 (+1 more)

Related

• A mediator can create focal points through dramatic suggestion (similarity 0.82)
• A biased mediator can be accepted when clue-rich situations block focal points (similarity 0.82)
• Focal points require prominence and uniqueness to coordinate action (similarity 0.81)

Broader Connections

• A mediator can create focal points through dramatic suggestion #expands (0.75) — Thomas C. Schelling, The Strategy of Conflict, 334