The Theory of Selective Accommodation

This chapter presents a theory of selective accommodation, which comprises two elements. The first, the core theory, contains the general conceptual model of selective accommodation and its basic influence formula — the use of positive incentives (e.g., promises, rewards, and concessions) to create divergent pressures on members or potential members of an opposing alliance. It describes how selective accommodation works (when it works) and suggests conditions under which states are likely to attempt it (initiation conditions). Meanwhile, the second consists of propositions about contingent conditions, and associated mechanisms, conducive to the success or failure of attempts. Like the initiation conditions, these are probabilistic. Combined, these elements offer an overarching framework to explain selective accommodation attempts and outcomes, one that is geared to the priorities of policy-applicable theory. It thus furnishes two kinds of “usable” theoretical insight: (1) a general conceptual model of the strategy of selective accommodation, and (2) generic knowledge about the conditions that favor its success. The chapter then sets up the methods — of structured focus comparison and qualitative analysis — that organize the historical case studies in the following chapters.