This report presents an analysis of the factors that govern escalatory risk from U.S. policy options during periods of peace, crisis, or war. The analysis combines theoretical and historical research with a current assessment of Chinese and Russian views of escalation. The research provides the basis for building a framework that could be useful to the U.S. Army and policymakers to assess the possible effects of proposed policy actions.
This report presents an analysis of theoretical, historical, and competitor perspectives on the issue of escalation in crisis or war, leading to the development of a framework to assess the escalatory risk of specific U.S. national policy actions.
