Schelling’s book is a series of interrelated essays that explore how adversaries, from states to individuals, navigate situations where they share some interests but also face deep conflicts—such as negotiations, war, deterrence, and even extortion. He argues that traditional analyses of conflict, which focus solely on brute force or zero-sum outcomes, miss the subtleties of real-world bargaining. Instead, Schelling introduces concepts like “focal points” (Schelling points), which help parties coordinate without direct communication, and the paradoxical power of self-imposed constraints: for example, visibly reducing your own options can force the other side’s hand, as in the famous “throwing the steering wheel out the window” scenario.

One of Schelling’s most influential ideas is that the threat of retaliation can be more effective when it is uncertain rather than guaranteed, making deterrence more credible and efficient. He also explores the role of communication—both explicit and tacit—in shaping expectations and outcomes, and how strategic commitments can alter the bargaining landscape. Through logical thought experiments and real-world examples, Schelling demonstrates that the art of conflict is often about shaping perceptions and manipulating risk, rather than simply overpowering an opponent.