Abstract
The bargaining model of war, a popular, yet complex international relations theory, emphasizes how nations communicate signals regarding military strength, resolve to fight, and foreign policy goals. Since the military plays a major role in communicating these signals, its leaders should understand this theory, despite its complexities. This article explains the model and its components through the used car sale bargaining process and supplements the analogy with real-world examples of international events. This article will help military and foreign policy professionals easily grasp the concepts of the model.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.55540/0031-1723.3394
Recommended Citation
Richard R. Johnson, "How Is Going to War Like Buying a Car?: The Bargaining Model of War," Parameters 56, no. 2 (2026), doi:10.55540/0031-1723.3394.
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