What term describes a strategy where a state enhances its own security at the expense of another's?

The term that describes a strategy where a state enhances its own security at the expense of another's is the Security Dilemma. This concept is rooted in international relations and particularly associated with realism. The Security Dilemma occurs when one state's efforts to increase its security lead other states to feel threatened, prompting them to also increase their military capabilities. This ultimately makes all states less secure, as the initial state's intentions may not have been aggressive, but the perception of threat catalyzes an arms race or conflict.

In essence, the Security Dilemma illustrates how actions taken for self-protection can inadvertently create a cycle of mistrust and competition among states. For instance, if a country decides to build up its military, neighboring states may interpret that as preparation for potential aggression, leading them to bolster their own defenses in response. This escalating cycle is central to understanding the dynamics of international relations and can lead to heightened tensions and conflict even when a state’s intentions are purely defensive.