system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
[Communication] Term for managing relationships by way of not making oneself a threat?

I can't think of a way to describe this - so I'll give an example or two. 

1) Intentionally downplaying your experience to prevent an employer from believing you to be "overqualified", and not wanting to hire a "flight risk". 

2) Intentionally downplaying yourself in politics so as to not appear a threat to leadership.

3) Intentionally downplaying your intent to seek office to prevent incumbents from organizing against you.

Essentially, taking action to reduce risk/threats. Wondering if there is a term for this in communication so I can look up literature/do some research. If not I think it might be interesting to research generally! 

Interpersonal threat management or interpersonal risk management would come to mind but the latter deals with being rejected and the former did not turn up anything. 

Appreciate replies in advance!
gpt
The international relations term for this is "assurance" or "reassurance."  It plays a role in alliance politics and the security dilemma.  The main authors to read on assurance in alliance politics would be Jeffrey Knopf and Glenn Snyder.

I often find that diplomacy and alliance management literature is relevant to personal relationships…