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Overview
Carrots and sticks have always been used in combination in diplomatic affairs, but scholars and policymakers have focused more on the sticks than the carrots. In this provocative study, policy-savvy scholars examine a wide range of cases—from North Korea to South Africa to El Salvador and Bosnia—to demonstrate the power of incentives to deter nuclear proliferation, prevent armed conflict, defend civil and human rights, and rebuild war-torn societies. The book addresses the 'moral hazard' of incentives, the danger that they can be construed as bribes, concessions, or appeasement. Incentives can take many forms—economic and political, as palpable as fuel oil and as intangible, yet powerful, as diplomatic recognition and 'constructive engagement.' The cases demonstrate that incentives can sometimes succeed when traditional methods—threats, sanctions, or force—fail or are too dangerous to apply.
Synopsis
In this provocative study, policy-savvy scholars examine a wide range of cases—from North Korea to South Africa to El Salvador and Bosnia—to demonstrate the power of incentives to deter nuclear proliferation, prevent armed conflict, defend civil and human rights, and rebuild war-torn societies. The book addresses the _moral hazard_ of incentives, the danger that they can be construed as bribes, concessions, or appeasement. The cases demonstrate that incentives can sometimes succeed when traditional methods—threats, sanctions, or force—fail or are too dangerous to apply.
N. Entessar
The focus of this lucidly written and cogently argued edited volume is on the use of incentives in international conflict prevention and resolution. Through case studies, the contributors convincingly demonstrate how political and economic incentives have resulted in the successful resolution of some of the most intractable international conflict of recent decades. . . . This well-informed and sober book is highly recommended for upper-division undergraduate and graduate students, scholars, and practitioners of international relations and diplomacy.