Compellence is a strategy used in international relations where one state tries to persuade another to take a specific action, often through threats or the use of force. Unlike deterrence, which aims to prevent an action, compellence seeks to change behavior by making the cost of non-compliance higher than compliance. This approach can involve military pressure, economic sanctions, or diplomatic efforts. Historical examples include the United States pressuring Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait in 1990. The effectiveness of compellence often depends on the credibility of the threats and the willingness of the targeted state to comply.