“If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.” – Modern Proverb.
You might be asking yourself, “Wait, isn’t this post’s featured image the same as last time’s?” You’d be right. My last post discussed how to build a balance of power when threatened by an opponent with superior power in a multipolar situation. But that’s not always the best, or even a possible, solution. This post deals with the next best option: bandwagoning.
Bandwagoning
Bandwagoning recognizes that international relations is a self-help world where the strong take what they can and the weak endure what they must. Rather than fight to the last in vain, bandwagoning suggests obeying the stronger power is the more pragmatic choice. According to this concept, it is better to be a client state than a conquered one.
When over-matched, bandwagoning is the strategy of aligning oneself with the stronger, threatening state in order to survive. By joining the stronger state’s side, the bandwagoner hopes to avoid defeat or conquest by that stronger state, thus staying in the game. By surviving, the weaker state can hope to (re)gain power as opportunities present themselves in the future.
Explanatory Example: Diplomacy
Let’s have another look at the canned Diplomacy example from last post.
In the last post, we analyzed the situation through the eyes of the Austro-Hungarians (Red). We noted Russia (White) as the most imminent threat. We explored options to balance with the Ottomans / Turkey (Yellow) against Russia. Let’s now consider the opposite as a bandwagoning approach.
Russia is in a good position to seize our territory, but there are other pressures on Russian forces. Turkey and Russia often vie for control of the Black Sea, as should any power gain naval dominance there, they can set up for some powerful offensive moves. Britain (Blue) is clearly taking a strong northern strategy which, while likely focused on annexing Scandinavia first, will shortly threaten Russia in the north. This means Russia could have use of a client, if not ally. We must also consider how Italy (Green) might exploit any weakening of our western defenses. It would be easy for them to snag a province or two should the opportunity present itself by our moving troops eastward.
We as the Austro-Hungarians could offer an alliance to bandwagon with Russia, promising to check Turkish expansion into Eastern Europe and of course not aggressing against Russia. This will help the Russians stave off the Turkish advance while freeing up Russian forces to reinforce the north against Britian. In exchange, we should demand guarantees of retaining control of our home provinces (Red). We can sweeten this deal for Russia by immediately offering to support a Russian invasion of Romania. Having shown such goodwill, we can then ask to seize Bulgaria in the next turn.
Conclusion and Homework
For homework, think about balancing versus bandwagoning. When is it best to use the former versus the latter? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Until next time, class dismissed.
Christopher Hunt
Latest posts by Christopher Hunt (see all)
- Command School – Deterrence and Compellence - July 11, 2019
