On Dangerous Ground: A Theory of Bargaining, Border Settlement, and Rivalry

Countries prioritize well-defined international borders for survival and prosperity, but failing to establish them can lead to protracted geopolitical competitions. Rider and Owsiak model this as a bargaining problem, undermining peaceful resolution. They develop a theory of border settlement and explore its consequences, leading to rivals overcoming the bargaining problem and resolving their rivalry.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 355 pages
Publication date: 03 November 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Countries place immense importance on clearly defined international borders, as they are considered vital for their survival and prosperity. The majority of borders emerge peacefully, and once established, these definitions tend to remain stable. However, the absence of clear border definitions can lead to protracted, geopolitical, and militarized competitions or rivalries between neighboring countries. Rider and Owsiak conceptualize this failure as a specific type of bargaining problem, specifically involving territorial disputes that significantly impact the power distribution between neighboring states. This bargaining problem undermines peaceful efforts to resolve border disagreements. Consequently, countries must address this bargaining issue or risk entrenching in a protracted rivalry, requiring additional resources to resolve.

The authors develop a comprehensive theory to explain the settlement of borders. They then examine the consequences of failing to settle borders, theoretically linking it to the emergence of rivalries. This exploration leads to a process that assists rivals in overcoming the bargaining problem, resolving border disputes, and ultimately terminating their rivalry.

In conclusion, countries prioritize clearly defined international borders as essential for their survival and prosperity. The peaceful establishment and stability of borders are crucial to prevent protracted conflicts and rivalries. By understanding the bargaining problem associated with territorial disputes and developing effective strategies to resolve them, countries can foster stability, cooperation, and peace in their regions and beyond.

Weight: 532g
Dimension: 151 x 228 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108794541