Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction : when do threats work? -- The assurance dilemma : credible and conditional threats -- "I at least want to be guilty" : coercing South Africa into a corner -- "Sanctions with inspectors" : convincing Iraq to come clean -- "They will laugh at us" : coaxing Libya to confess -- "We knew that they knew we knew" : compelling Iran to concede -- Conclusion : the true sources of coercive leverage.

"This book explains how coercion works in international relations. Threats must not only be credible, but they must also imply assurances that a coercer will not punish a target after it complies. The chapters explore coercive bargaining over the nuclear weapons ambitions of South Africa, Iraq, Libya, and Iran"-- Provided by publisher.