BRINKMANSHIP Meaning and
Definition
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Brinkmanship is a term used to describe a diplomatic or political strategy which involves pushing a situation or conflict to the very edge or brink of disaster or catastrophe in order to achieve a desired outcome. This strategy is characterized by taking extreme and risky actions, often employing threats and displays of high tension, in an attempt to force an opponent to back down or yield to one's demands.
Originating from the phrase "on the brink," brinkmanship refers to the act of maneuvering a situation to the brink of the threshold where a major confrontation is likely to occur, often involving the threat of military force or other severe consequences. It is a tactic commonly employed in high-stakes negotiations, such as arms control talks or geopolitical conflicts, where the goal is to coerce the other party into making concessions or compromises.
Brinkmanship relies heavily on the perception of resolve and determination, using the psychology of fear and uncertainty to gain an advantage over opponents. It is a delicate balancing act that requires careful calculations and risk assessment, as misjudgments or miscalculations can potentially lead to unintended escalation and disastrous consequences.
However, brinkmanship is not without criticism, as it is viewed by some as a dangerous and reckless approach that risks triggering a full-blown crisis or conflict. Critics argue that this strategy can lead to uncontrollable outcomes, as it heavily relies on the assumption that both parties involved will exercise restraint and rationality, which may not always be the case.
Top Common Misspellings for BRINKMANSHIP *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for BRINKMANSHIP
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Etymology of BRINKMANSHIP
The word "brinkmanship" was formed by combining the word "brink" and the suffix "-manship".
The term "brink" is derived from the Middle English "brinke", which ultimately traces its roots back to the Old Norse word "brekka", meaning "slope" or "hillside". Over time, "brink" evolved to signify the edge or margin of a geographical feature, such as a riverbank or a precipice.
The suffix "-manship" denotes a skill, ability, or practice associated with a person, often used to describe a particular manner or style. It is derived from the Old English word "scip" (modern English "ship"), originally meaning "shape", "condition", or "creation".
Combining "brink" with "-manship" created the term "brinkmanship", which first appeared in political and diplomatic contexts during the Cold War era.
Similar spelling word for BRINKMANSHIP
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