Weak local forces can succeed when international conditions favor them

Evidence

Incidentally, dropping AB vertically in Fig. 2 to below the level αβ would illustrate an important principle, namely, that moving one point in a manner “unfavorable” to North may actually improve the outcome for him. The threat that kept him from winning in Fig. 2 depends on the comparative attractiveness of AB over αB for North; if AB is made worse for him than αβ he becomes immune to the threat, which then is not made, and he wins at αB. This is an abstract example of the principle that, in bargaining, weakness may be strength. — Thomas C. Schelling, The Strategy of Conflict, 130 (#exemplifies, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: In bargaining, seeming weakness can convert into strategic strength. — Thomas C. Schelling, The Strategy of Conflict, 130; A militarily victorious counterinsurgency can still lose due to non-battlefield factors; Known military inferiority of rivals creates an effective monopoly (+3 more)

Related

• In bargaining, seeming weakness can convert into strategic strength. (similarity 0.84)

Broader Connections

• In bargaining, seeming weakness can convert into strategic strength. #exemplifies (0.85) — Thomas C. Schelling, The Strategy of Conflict, 130
• A militarily victorious counterinsurgency can still lose due to non-battlefield factors #exemplifies (0.78)
• Known military inferiority of rivals creates an effective monopoly #contradicts (0.75)
• National historical variations depend partly on international relations #expands (0.72)
• Dragooned conscripts can still secure victories against weak adversaries #exemplifies (0.72)