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

“House Republicans must avoid default and stop playing economic brinkmanship with the American people’s livelihoods and retirements,” she said.

From Washington Times

Only one other industrialised nation - Denmark - has a formal debt ceiling, but it is handled without the drama and brinkmanship often seen in Washington.

From BBC

But the renewed sense of fiscal brinkmanship troubled Democrats back in Washington, where lawmakers said they are bracing for economic turbulence in the months to come.

From Washington Post

Democrats and the White House dismissed Mr. McCarthy’s speech, saying the speaker was engaging in “brinkmanship” with the country’s ability to pay its bill.

From Washington Times

In a 1987 radio address highlighted by the White House, Reagan warned that debt “brinkmanship threatens the holders of government bonds and those who rely on Social Security and veterans benefits.”

From Washington Times