Crisis Diplomacy

Abstract

Although much has been written on international crises, the literature suffers from a lack of historical depth, and a proliferation of competing theoretical frameworks. Through case studies drawing on the rich historical experience of crisis diplomacy, James Richardson offers an integrated analysis based on a critical assessment of the main theoretical approaches. Due weight is given to systemic and structural factors, but also to the specific historical factors of each case, and to theories which do not presuppose rationality as well as those which do. Crisis diplomacy the major political choices made by decision makers, and their strategies, judgments and misjudgments - is found to play a crucial role in each of the case studies. This broad historical inquiry is especially timely when the ending of the Cold War has removed the settled parameters within which the superpowers conducted their crisis diplomacy.

Institutionally Generated Crises and the Challenges of Economic Integration in South-South Nigeria

“…Beyond the definitions, Richardson (1994), Green and Shapiro (1998), offered interpretation on the nature of threat posed by crisis to the "basic values". Certain causal mechanisms including economic, drives political behaviours and can become more salient in crisis decision-making.…”

La convergence du téléphone et du câble au Royaume-Uni

“…Ceci peut, dans une certaine mesure, être compensé par la perspective de voir les grandes entreprises, en utilisant des services large bande et avancés, réorganiser leurs activités et ainsi tirer avantage de loyers et de coûts salariaux plus attractifs dans les villes de province. Un bon exemple d'une telle logique est dans la création de « centre d'appels » dans les villes majeures de province comme Newcastle et Belfast qui y apportent un grand nombre d'emplois (21).…”

Bargaining in asymmetric crisis

“…It may be unwilling to bargain, seeking a 'free hand' and believing its goals can be obtained peacefully without bargaining. 24 It is unlikely to be distracted in crisis and will likely use its military superiority to make diplomatic demands upon the weaker. It will need to be won over with diplomatic incentives before it will agree to avoid war.…”