The current international system includes superpowers, lesser global powers, strong regional powers, and smaller states. Their influence changes from one crisis to another. Other governments ask what capability a state can bring to the situation and how likely it is to intervene. Those perceptions determine whether they will listen to its warnings. The judgement may come from decision-makers who know little about military affairs, so a visible impression of strength can shape the result.
Chapter · 8:48-10:30
Deterrence in a multipolar world depends on perception
In a multipolar system, a state's influence in any crisis depends on how others judge both its available capability and its willingness to become involved.