Why might states decide not to go to war over a disputed good?
A)The opposing side also has a legitimate claim.
B)The costs of war are higher than the expected benefits from war.
C)States always prefer to strike a deal rather than fight wars.
D)To be unpredictable.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

States may decide not to go to war over a disputed good because the costs of war are often higher than the expected benefits from war. The economic, political, and social costs of war can be devastating, and in many cases, the costs of war may exceed the value of the resource in question. As a result, states may choose to strike a deal or negotiate a compromise rather than risk the costs and uncertainty of war. In some cases, the opposing side may also have a legitimate claim, making it difficult to justify going to war over the disputed good. While some states may view the threat of war as a way to gain leverage or intimidate the opposing side, in most cases, states prefer to avoid war if possible. Being unpredictable is not a reason for states to avoid going to war over a disputed good.

Why Might States Decide Not to Go to War Over