brinksmanship

brink·man·ship

 (brĭngk′mən-shĭp′) also brinks·man·ship (brĭngks′-)

n.

The practice, especially in international politics, of seeking advantage by creating the impression that one is willing and able to push a highly dangerous situation to the limit rather than concede.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

brinkmanship, brinksmanship

the technique or practice in foreign policy of manipulating a dangerous situation to the limits of tolerance or safety in order to secure advantage, especially by creating diplomatic crises.

See also: Politics

-Ologies & -Isms. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.