brinkmanship

UK: /ˈbrɪŋkmənʃɪp/ US: /ˈbrɪŋkmənˌʃɪp/ ,(bringk′mən ship′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

brink•man•ship /ˈbrɪŋkmənˌʃɪp/  also ˈbrinks•manˌship, n. [uncountable]

1. Government the policy of creating a dangerous situation and risking a great deal in order to achieve the greatest advantage:
   wound up playing a dangerous game of international and military brinksmanship.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

brink•man•ship  (bringk′mən ship′), n. 

1. Government the technique or practice of maneuvering a dangerous situation to the limits of tolerance or safety in order to secure the greatest advantage, esp. by creating diplomatic crises.

Also, brinks•man•ship  (bringks′mən ship′). 

• brink + -manship, with  brink(s)- by analogy with sportsmanship, etc. 1955–60

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

brinkmanship / ˈbrɪŋkmənˌʃɪp/ noun

1. the art or practice of pressing a dangerous situation, esp in international affairs, to the limit of safety and peace in order to win an advantage from a threatening or tenacious foe