Why Is It Difficult to Make a Threat of Attack

question 59

Multiple Choice

Why is it difficult to make a threat of attack seem credible to an opponent?

• A)States are rarely capable of actually attacking other countries.
• B)An opponent can often tell when the threatening state is bluffing.
• C)Opponents have access to enough information about the other state to discredit its threats.
• D)The threat of such a war can seem too costly to be a reasonable option.

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Definitions:

Autonomic Arousal

The activation of the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary body functions, such as heartbeat, blood flow, breathing, and digestion.

Pupils Dilation

The widening of the pupils, which can be a response to low light conditions, psychological arousal, or certain emotions.

Galvanic Skin Response (GSR)

A physiological reaction that results in the variation of the electrical conductance of the skin, often used as an indicator of emotional arousal.

Parental Investment

The time and energy parents expend for their offspring’s benefit, including protection, feeding, and teaching.