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

An analysis of international border settlement and the lifecycle of geopolitical rivalries that arise when settlement fails.

Toby J. Rider (Author), Andrew P. Owsiak (Author)

9781108840347, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 18 March 2021

300 pages
23.5 x 15.7 x 2.2 cm, 0.65 kg

'This work combines two key elements in international conflict research - rivalries and territorial disputes - with the result of new insights into both and some guide to how to avoid the bargaining failures that lead to war.' Paul F. Diehl , Ashbel Smith Professor of Political Science, University of Texas-Dallas

As a rule, countries consider clearly defined international borders to be paramount for their survival and prosperity. Most borders gain definition peacefully and, once they do, these definitions stick (i.e., the border remains settled). The failure to define borders, however, produces protracted, geopolitical, militarized competitions (or rivalries) between neighboring countries. Rider and Owsiak model this failure as a particular type of bargaining problem - namely, bargaining over territory that affects the distribution of power between neighbouring states significantly - that undermines efforts to resolve border disagreements peacefully. Countries must then overcome this bargaining problem or risk falling into a protracted rivalry, which then needs to be addressed with more resources. The authors develop a theory of how borders settle. They then explore the consequences of the failure to settle, theoretically connecting it to the onset of rivalries. This leads to the process that helps rivals overcome the bargaining problem, resolve their border disagreement, and terminate their rivalry.

1. Introduction
Part I. The Settlement of Borders
2. Conceptual Foundations
3. A Theory of Border Settlement
4. An Empirical Evaluation of Border Settlement
Part II. The Effects of Unsettled Borders on Interstate Relationships
5. A Theory of Borders and Rivalry Initiation
6. An Empirical Evaluation of Borders and Rivalry Initiation
Part III. Borders and Rivalry Termination
7. A Theory of Borders and Rivalry Termination
8. An Empirical Evaluation of Borders and Rivalry Termination
9. Conclusion.

Subject Areas: International organisations & institutions [LBBU], International relations [JPS], Politics & government [JP]