5 Reasons Why Appeasement Fails

Throughout history, nations and leaders have employed various strategies to avoid conflict and maintain peace. One such approach is appeasement, which involves giving in to the demands of an aggressive or belligerent party in the hopes of avoiding war or further conflict. However, appeasement has often been criticized for its ineffectiveness and even counterproductive consequences. In this article, we will explore five reasons why appeasement fails.

Appeasement Emboldens Aggressors

Aggressors become emboldened when their demands are met

When a nation or leader gives in to the demands of an aggressor, it can create a perception of weakness and embolden the aggressor to make further demands. This is because the aggressor may interpret the appeasement as a sign that their tactics are effective and that they can achieve their goals through coercion and intimidation. As a result, the aggressor may become more aggressive and demanding, leading to further conflict and instability.

Examples of Appeasement Emboldening Aggressors

The policy of appeasement towards Nazi Germany in the 1930s, which included the annexation of Austria and the Sudetenland, emboldened Hitler to invade Poland and start World War II.
The failure of the international community to respond decisively to North Korea's nuclear program has emboldened the regime to continue its provocative behavior, including missile tests and human rights abuses.

Appeasement Undermines Credibility

Appeasement can undermine a nation's credibility

When a nation or leader engages in appeasement, it can undermine their credibility and reputation. This is because appeasement can be seen as a sign of weakness and a lack of resolve. Other nations and actors may view the appeasing nation as unreliable and unwilling to stand up for its interests and values. As a result, the appeasing nation may find it more difficult to build alliances, negotiate agreements, and deter aggression in the future.

Examples of Appeasement Undermining Credibility

The United States' decision to withdraw from Vietnam in the 1970s, which was seen as a sign of weakness and lack of resolve, undermined the nation's credibility and made it more difficult to deter Soviet aggression in Eastern Europe.
The European Union's failure to respond decisively to Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, which was seen as a sign of weakness and division, has undermined the EU's credibility and made it more difficult to deter further Russian aggression in Ukraine.

Appeasement Fails to Address Underlying Issues

Appeasement often focuses on addressing the symptoms of a conflict rather than the underlying issues. This can lead to a temporary resolution, but it does not address the root causes of the conflict. As a result, the conflict may resurface in the future, and the appeasement may ultimately prove to be a short-sighted solution.

Examples of Appeasement Failing to Address Underlying Issues

The Camp David Accords, which were signed in 1978 and established a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt, did not address the underlying issues of Palestinian statehood and Israeli settlements. As a result, the conflict has continued to simmer, and the Accords have been criticized for being a temporary solution.
The Good Friday Agreement, which was signed in 1998 and established a peace process in Northern Ireland, did not address the underlying issues of sectarianism and nationalism. As a result, the conflict has continued to simmer, and the Agreement has been criticized for being a fragile and imperfect solution.

Appeasement Can Create Moral Hazard

Appeasement can create moral hazard by creating an incentive for nations or actors to engage in aggressive behavior. If a nation or actor believes that they can achieve their goals through coercion and intimidation, and that the international community will appease them rather than stand up to them, they may be more likely to engage in aggressive behavior in the future.

Examples of Appeasement Creating Moral Hazard

The decision by the international community to appease Serbia's aggression in the Balkans in the 1990s, which included the siege of Sarajevo and the massacre at Srebrenica, created a moral hazard that encouraged further aggression in the region.
The failure of the international community to respond decisively to Russia's aggression in Ukraine, which included the annexation of Crimea and the support of separatist rebels, has created a moral hazard that has encouraged further Russian aggression in the region.

Appeasement Can Lead to Further Conflict

Finally, appeasement can lead to further conflict by creating a sense of injustice and resentment among the parties that are affected by the appeasement. This can lead to a buildup of tensions and a greater likelihood of conflict in the future.

Examples of Appeasement Leading to Further Conflict

The appeasement of Nazi Germany's aggression in the 1930s, which included the annexation of Austria and the Sudetenland, created a sense of injustice and resentment among the Czechs and other nations that were affected by the appeasement. This ultimately led to the outbreak of World War II.
The appeasement of Russia's aggression in Ukraine, which included the annexation of Crimea and the support of separatist rebels, has created a sense of injustice and resentment among the Ukrainians and other nations that are affected by the appeasement. This has led to a buildup of tensions and a greater likelihood of conflict in the region.

Gallery of Failed Appeasement

The Munich Agreement, which appeased Nazi Germany's aggression, ultimately led to World War II

The failure to respond decisively to North Korea's nuclear program has created a moral hazard and encouraged further aggression

The appeasement of Russia's aggression in Ukraine has created a sense of injustice and resentment among the Ukrainians and other nations

The Camp David Accords, which appeased Israel's aggression, did not address the underlying issues of Palestinian statehood and Israeli settlements

The decision to appease Serbia's aggression in the Balkans created a moral hazard and encouraged further aggression in the region

The Good Friday Agreement, which appeased sectarianism and nationalism, did not address the underlying issues and created a fragile and imperfect solution

What is appeasement?

Appeasement is a policy of giving in to the demands of an aggressive or belligerent party in the hopes of avoiding conflict or war.

Why does appeasement fail?

Appeasement fails for several reasons, including that it emboldens aggressors, undermines credibility, fails to address underlying issues, creates moral hazard, and leads to further conflict.

What are some examples of appeasement failing?

Examples of appeasement failing include the Munich Agreement, the Camp David Accords, the Good Friday Agreement, and the failure to respond decisively to North Korea's nuclear program and Russia's aggression in Ukraine.

In conclusion, appeasement is a flawed policy that can have serious consequences, including emboldening aggressors, undermining credibility, failing to address underlying issues, creating moral hazard, and leading to further conflict. By understanding the reasons why appeasement fails, we can better navigate complex geopolitical situations and develop more effective strategies for promoting peace and security.