Bandwagoning is a strategy in international relations where a weaker state aligns itself with a stronger, potentially threatening power, rather than opposing it. By doing so, the weaker state hopes to gain security or benefits from the stronger state’s power and avoid conflict. This behavior contrasts with balancing, where states join together to counter a dominant power. Bandwagoning is more likely when a state perceives that resistance would be futile or too costly.

• Walt, S. M. (1987). The origins of alliances. Cornell University Press.