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Vocabulary Builder — Essay & Answer Writing

Brinkmanship

noun / BRINGK-muhn-ship / Hard
Meaning

The practice of pushing a dangerous situation or confrontation to the verge of disaster to force the opposing side to back down.

Origin / Etymology

Coined by Adlai Stevenson in 1956, criticising Eisenhower-era Secretary of State John Foster Dulles's nuclear-confrontation strategy. From 'brink' (edge of cliff) + suffix '-manship'.

Synonyms
Edge-pushing Confrontational signalling Coercive bargaining
Antonyms
Diplomacy Conciliation Mediation
Example Sentence
"The Hindu's May 29, 2026 op-ed warned that growing brinkmanship between major powers — US-China on Taiwan, Russia-NATO on Ukraine, India-Pakistan post-Pahalgam — raises the probability of unintended escalation."
🎯 UPSC Usage

GS2 IR: Use precisely — brinkmanship is calibrated risk, not war; useful for analysing nuclear postures, trade-war threats, border standoffs. Pair with 'crisis-stability' or 'escalation control' concepts.

Relevant Subjects
International Relations Security Defence
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