Brinkmanship

/ˈbrɪŋkmənʃɪp/ noun

A strategy of deliberately pushing a dangerous situation to the brink of disaster to gain advantage, especially in politics or diplomacy.

From 'brink' (Old English 'brinc,' meaning 'edge') plus 'manship' (from 'man' + ship, meaning 'skill or practice of'). Coined in the 1950s to describe Cold War nuclear strategy.

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