Collocations for escalation - noun

dramatic, major, serious
rapid
gradual
further
military, nuclear
the threat of nuclear escalation

lead to
The reorganization has led to a dramatic escalation in costs.

prevent
represent
This bill represents another escalation in the war on drugs.

see, witness
This week witnessed a significant escalation in the global financial crisis.

escalation in
a serious escalation in the fighting

escalation into
the escalation of the conflict into an all-out war

escalation of
an escalation of the level of violence in video games

escalation to (esp. AmE)
It could result in escalation to major ground action.