Analyzing Strategic Rivalries in World Politics: Types of Rivalry, Regional Variation, and Escalation/De-escalation

Strategic rivalries are contests between states that view one another as threatening competitors and treat each other as enemies. A disproportionate amount of interstate conflict is generated by a relatively small number of these pairs of states engaged in rivalries that can persist for years. This book updates the inventory of strategic rivalries from 1816 to 2020, identifying principal rivalries for the first time and covering the same period. It elaborates and tests a theory stressing the two main types of rivalry (positional and spatial) and explores regional variations on the origins and terminations of spatial rivalry. Variations in cooperation and termination dynamics are also examined.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 291 pages
Publication date: 22 November 2022
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

Strategic rivalries are intense contests between states that perceive each other as threatening competitors and treat them as adversaries. A relatively small number of these pairs of states engaged in enduring rivalries contribute significantly to interstate conflict, resulting in a disproportionate amount of interstate tension and instability. Understanding interstate peace and conflict requires a comprehensive understanding of how rivalries function in general and, more specifically, how they shape conflict dynamics.

Over the past two decades, there has been a concerted effort to introduce the concept of rivalry and demonstrate its usefulness in unraveling conflict situations. However, it is important to recognize that not all rivalries are identical. We need to move beyond a simplistic categorization and strive for a more nuanced differentiation of how they differ in fundamental ways.

Principal rivalries are those antagonisms that hold the greatest significance for decision-makers within a state. The primary distinctions in the issues that rivals dispute revolve around positional and spatial concerns. Positional rivalries revolve around competing for regional and global influence. Spatial rivalries, on the other hand, center around territorial disputes and the struggle for control over disputed regions.

Interventionary rivalries are particularly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. These rivalries primarily involve neighboring states attempting to influence the governance and treatment of their co-ethnics. The dynamics of interventionary rivalries are shaped by complex factors, including historical legacies, ethnic divisions, and geopolitical interests.

This book serves as an update to the inventory of strategic rivalries from 1816 to 2020. For the first time, principal rivalries are identified and span the same historical period. A theory emphasizing the two primary types of rivalry (positional and spatial) is elaborated and tested. Regional variations in the origins and terminations of spatial rivalry are explored and interpreted. Additionally, attention is paid to fluctuations in the intensity of positional rivalries by examining the workings of the contemporary major power triangle (the United States, the Soviet Union/Russia, and China).

In conclusion, strategic rivalries play a crucial role in shaping interstate relations and conflicts. Understanding the dynamics of these rivalries is essential for promoting interstate peace and stability. By recognizing the unique characteristics of different rivalries and exploring their regional variations, we can develop more effective strategies for managing and resolving conflicts.

Weight: 462g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811666735
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022