ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the security dilemma by offering a redefinition of the concept as it has been defined in the Security Studies literature. It focuses on a state's uncertainty, defined in terms of a debate between politically significant actors, is the only valid way of identifying a dilemma. According to A. Collins it is possible to interpret events with a degree of objectivity that enables the observer to pass judgement on the accuracy of other accounts. The security dilemma is indeed characterised by uncertainty. By using the word 'mind', however, these authors are in danger of confusing levels of analysis. Rather Soviet strategy was an attempt to use military power to advance a political agenda that was territorially expansionist. America's need to project military power on to the continent of Europe seemingly precluded its adoption of non-provocative defence.
