What does "escalation dominance" mean?

The concept of "escalation dominance" refers to the capacity to control the escalation of conflict against an adversary. It encompasses the strategic ability of a military force to manage the intensity and scale of a conflict in a way that deters or counters adversary actions, effectively maintaining a favorable position during escalating situations. This means that one side can escalate their response in a manner that the opponent finds more costly or unfavorable, thereby deterring further aggression or reducing the likelihood of the conflict spiraling out of control.

This concept is particularly important in the context of large-scale combat operations, where maintaining control and predictability in the escalation of hostilities is crucial for achieving strategic objectives without descending into uncontrollable warfare. It relies on a nuanced understanding of both one's own military capabilities and those of the adversary, allowing for calculated responses that influence the adversary’s behavior while safeguarding one's own interests.