When Does Terrorism Occur: Game-Theoretic Analysis and Offense-Defense Balance
25 Pages Posted: 15 Dec 2012 Last revised: 20 Aug 2020
Date Written: August 20, 2020
Abstract
Offense-defense theory argues that wars are more likely in offense-dominant periods. I study how this claim can be challenged when it comes to making predictions about terrorism. To do so, I consider a model of continuous-time conflict between a status quo state and a terrorist, who develops offensive military technology and has private information on its aggressiveness. I characterize two measures of offense-defense balance, and show that a greater offense advantage in the balance is not associated with a higher risk of terrorism. This paper supports the critics of offense-defense theory, and provides insights into understanding when terrorism occurs.
Keywords: conflict, terrorism, offense-defense balance, military technology.
JEL Classification: C72, D74, F51
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
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