---
title: "Compellence Definition and Strategy | Model Diplomat"
description: "Compellence is a coercive strategy using threats or limited force to compel an adversary to act. It's key for Model UN students and policy researchers."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/compellence"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Compellence is a coercive strategy that uses threats or limited force to make an adversary actively do something or undo an action already taken.
- How does compellence differ from deterrence?
- Who coined the term compellence and where?
- Why is compellence considered harder to achieve than deterrence?
- Which historical case illustrates failed compellence?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Compellence is a coercive strategy that uses threats or limited force to make an adversary actively do something or undo an action already taken.

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Example

During the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, U.S. President John F. Kennedy used a naval quarantine and ultimatum to compel the Soviet Union to dismantle and remove its already-installed missiles from Cuba.

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