ABSTRACT
In this chapter a theory of rivalry deescalation and termination is constructed and illustrated by a discussion of the Sino-Soviet dispute. It contributes to a bridging of the environment-agent gap in evolutionary perspectives in international relations. The chapter also appears to have the capability to serve as both a foundation and bridge to longer-term movements and evolutionary change. It proceeds to offer a consideration of some of the implications of this analysis for the development of an evolutionary paradigm in IR. The main idea is not to create a novel explanation of the Sino-Soviet case as much as it is to take what we think we know about this case and assess the extent to which an expectancy theory is helpful in structuring an explanation. While Armstrong focuses on perceptions of impending deterioration, the theory that is developed in the chapter will stress the advent of shocks as a more general conceptualization of environmental deterioration.
