For either compellence or deterrence to be effective, states have to lay the groundwork. They must clearly and openly communicate their objectives and capabilities, be willing to make good on the threats or to fulfill the promises, and have the capacity to follow through with their commitments. In short, a state's credibility is essential for compellence and deterrence. Yet this is not a one-sided, unilateral process; it is a strategic interaction where the behavior of each is determined not only by one's own behavior, but by the actions and responses of the other.