Traditionally, Americans have viewed war as an alternative to diplomacy, and military strategy as the science of victory. Today, however, in our world of nuclear weapons, military power is not so much exercised as threatened. It is, Mr. Schelling says, bargaining power, and the exploitation of this power, for good or evil, to preserve peace or to threaten war, is diplomacy—the diplomacy of violence. The author concentrates in this book on the way in which military capabilities—real or imagined—are used, skillfully or clumsily, as bargaining power. He sees the steps taken by the U.S. during the Berlin and Cuban crises as not merely preparations for engagement, but as signals to an enemy, with reports from the adversarys own military intelligence as our most important diplomatic communications. Even the bombing of North Vietnam, Mr. Schelling points out, is as much coercive as tactical, aimed at decisions as much as bridges. He carries forward the analysis so brilliantly begun in his earlier The Strategy of Conflict (1960) and Strategy and Arms Control (with Morton Halperin, 1961), and makes a significant contribution to the growing literature on modern war and diplomacy. Stimson Lectures.Mr. Schelling is professor of economics at Harvard and acting director of Harvards Center for International Affairs. An exemplary text on the interplay of national purpose and military force.—Book Week. A grim but carefully reasoned and coldly analytical book. . . . One of the most frightening previews which this reviewer has ever seen of the roads that lie just ahead in warfare.—Los Angeles Times. A brilliant and hardheaded book. It will frighten those who prefer not to dwell on the unthinkable and infuriate those who have taken refuge in the stereotypes and moral attitudinizing.—New York Times Book Review.
Shipping & Delivery Information
Our Shipping Promise
At Slickpurchase, we understand how important your purchases are. That's why we take extra care with every package we send. All orders are shipped in double-boxes with full insurance for additional protection, ensuring your items arrive safely.
Processing & Shipping Timeline
- Processing Time: Orders are processed within 3-6 business days
- Domestic Delivery: Typically 6-10 business days
Please note that delivery times are estimates and may vary based on your location, weather conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Shipping Destinations
Slickpurchase currently only ships to the United States.
Shipping Costs
We are pleased to offer free standard shipping on all orders within the United States.
Discreet Packaging
We respect your privacy. All Slickpurchase packages are shipped with complete discreet packaging. The product name, description, sender's name, and any information that hints about the contents are encrypted. Your package will arrive without any indication of what's inside, ensuring your purchase remains confidential.
Signature Requirements
Important Note: All orders valued above $250 will require a signature upon delivery for your protection.
Order Tracking
Once your order ships, you'll receive a tracking number via email so you can monitor your shipment's progress every step of the way.
Lost or Delayed Shipments
If your package is lost or significantly delayed, please contact our support team immediately, and we will assist you in resolving the issue.
Additional Security Measures
For your protection, we may contact you for additional order verification of the payment method on certain orders.
Questions or Concerns?
For details on returns and refunds, please refer to our Return Policy page.
For any questions about shipping or delivery, please contact our customer service team at support@slickpurchase.com.



















