Tripwire force

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A tripwire force (sometimes called a glass plate) is a strategic approach in deterrence theory whereby a small force is deployed abroad with the assumption that an attack on them will trigger a greater deployment of forces. The deployment of the small force is designed to signal the defending side's commitment to an armed response to future aggression without triggering a security spiral.

Scholars have debated whether tripwires are effective at deterring aggression, with some scholars arguing they are ineffective while others argue they are effective.