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Nice Strategies in a World of Relative Gains

Author

Listed:
  • Marc L. Busch
  • Eric R. Reinhardt

    (Columbia University)

Abstract

The debate between neoliberals and realists in the field of international relations draws heavily on the findings offered in Robert Axelrod's Evolution of Cooperation . Axelrod's well-known argument is that cooperation can emerge among egoists despite the absence of a central authority. This article assesses the robustness of Axelrod's findings in light of the realist critique that relative gains concerns make cooperation less likely than neoliberals contend. We build on an amended prisoner's dilemma (PD) game and conduct a computer simulation tournament in which we vary (1) the payoff structure and (2) Axelrod's population of strategies. The results indicate that cooperation can emerge even under strong relative gains concerns, so long as the population of strategies is sufficiently retaliatory. On the basis of this finding, we argue that the realist critique is overstated: the introduction of greater relative gains concerns does not necessarily limit the prospects for cooperation among states.

Suggested Citation

  • Marc L. Busch & Eric R. Reinhardt, 1993. "Nice Strategies in a World of Relative Gains," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 37(3), pages 427-445, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jocore:v:37:y:1993:i:3:p:427-445
    DOI: 10.1177/0022002793037003002
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Grieco, Joseph M., 1988. "Anarchy and the limits of cooperation: a realist critique of the newest liberal institutionalism," International Organization, Cambridge University Press, vol. 42(3), pages 485-507, July.
    2. Axelrod, Robert, 1981. "The Emergence of Cooperation among Egoists," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 75(2), pages 306-318, June.
    3. Anatol Rapoport, 1988. "Editorial Comments on the Article by Hirshleifer and Martinez Coll," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 32(2), pages 399-401, June.
    4. Snidal, Duncan, 1991. "Relative Gains and the Pattern of International Cooperation," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 85(3), pages 701-726, September.
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    6. Powell, Robert, 1991. "Absolute and Relative Gains in International Relations Theory," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 85(4), pages 1303-1320, December.
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