can more easily be bought off with optics

[cannonkuo]

Although he is dealing with a more volatile domestic situation than Mrs. Thatcher, he (Galtieri) can more easily be bought off with optics than can she, given the difference in the two societies and political systems. It will be hard for Mrs. Thatcher to sell to Parliament an agreement that does not measure up to her commitment. (Foreign Relations of the United States, 1981–1988, Volume XIII, Conflict in the South Atlantic, 1981–1984 - Office of the Historian)

What does "can more easily be bought off with optics" mean in the sentence?

 

[probus]

To be bought off is to be persuaded to give up or alter a position one has taken. Optics, in politics, are the superficial matters that may influence peoples' opinions, as opposed to actual matters of substance. The author is saying that favourable optics could enable Mrs Thatcher to avoid the carnage of war without suffering great political damage, while Galtieri has no such luxury. He has commited himself politically to taking military action.

 

[teechar]

optics = show = appearance

 

[cannonkuo]

optics = show = appearance

Is it something like an opinion poll from the public?

 

[probus]

"Optics" describes how an ordinary person would tend to perceive something, as opposed to, say, an expert.