security dilemma, n.All

A Security dilemma (n.) is ⁠​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​⁠the case where each side calls its own programs defensive and the other's threatening, and neither imagines the debate running in its own coastal waters.