Success in international negotiations is determined by context rather than capabilities

In international negotiations, it is often accepted that powerful states, by way of their large militaries and market power, can easily extract concessions from weaker ones. Drawing on examples from international negotiations, Heather Elko McKibben challenges this belief, arguing that structural factors, rather than base power dynamics, often determine success in negotiations. She recommends that state leaders consider these contextual features to improve their bargaining positions.