'States form coalitions during crises to advance common interests through the coordination of their actions. They are not explicit commitments as are alliances, but they require more of the parties than alignment of interests. Scott Wolford masterfully analyzes the strategic logic of coalitions, showing when they form, how they complicate coercive bargaining, how they fight together, and how long they last afterwards. It is a major contribution to our understanding of international conflict.' James Morrow, A. F. K. Organski Professor of World Politics, University of Michigan
Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. Why coalitions?; 3. Power, preferences, and cooperation; 4. Cooperation, signaling, and war; 5. Durability, balancing, and conflict expansion; 6. Conclusion.