brinkmanship

American  

[bringk-muhn-ship] / ˈbrɪŋk mənˌʃɪp /

Also brinksmanship

noun

1. the technique or practice of maneuvering a dangerous situation to the limits of tolerance or safety in order to secure the greatest advantage, especially by creating diplomatic crises.

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brinkmanship British  

/ ˈbrɪŋkmənˌʃɪp /

noun

1. the art or practice of pressing a dangerous situation, esp in international affairs, to the limit of safety and peace in order to win an advantage from a threatening or tenacious foe

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brinkmanship Cultural  

1. The policy of a nation that pushes a dangerous situation to the limits of safety (the “brink”) before pulling back; an aggressive and adventurous foreign policy.

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Etymology

Origin of brinkmanship

brink + -manship, by analogy with sportsmanship, gamesmanship, etc.; coined by Adlai E.Stevenson in 1956, criticizing the foreign policy of John Foster Dulles

Example Sentences

He expected tough negotiations but soon realised the scale of the challenge with fighters demanding inflated purses, games of bluff and brinkmanship.

From BBC

After a year of acrimonious exchanges and brinkmanship that had some in Seoul wondering if they should plan for war – everything changed.

From BBC

Carter's visit was marked by skillful diplomatic footwork - and brinkmanship.

From BBC

As the conference approached its scheduled end this week, the U.N.’s climate chief chided negotiators for digging in their heels and wasting time with bluffing and brinkmanship.

From Los Angeles Times

The judge said her decision to initially deny the offences had been an "act of brinkmanship", forcing the victim and her husband to go through the stress of giving evidence at trial.

From BBC