The Security Dilemma: Fear, Cooperation, and Trust in World Politics

The Security Dilemma refers to a situation where one country’s efforts to strengthen its defenses—like building armies or weapons—can make other countries feel threatened. In response, they may also increase their military power, leading to a cycle of suspicion and arms buildup. This makes everyone feel less secure, even if no one initially intends harm. Trust and cooperation are key to breaking this cycle, but mistrust often fuels conflict. Essentially, actions taken for safety can unintentionally create insecurity for everyone involved.