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Defensive weapons and star wars: a supergame with optimal punishments

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  • Giampiero Giacomello
  • Luca Lambertini

Abstract

We model the perspective faced by nuclear powers involved in a supergame where nuclear deterrence is used to stabilise peace. This setting allows us to investigate the bearings of defensive weapons on the effectiveness of deterrence and peace stability, relying on one-shot optimal punishments. We find that the sustainability of peace is unaffected by defensive shields if the latter are symmetric across countries, while asymmetric endowments of such weapons have clear-cut destabilising consequences.

Suggested Citation

  • Giampiero Giacomello & Luca Lambertini, 2016. "Defensive weapons and star wars: a supergame with optimal punishments," Defence and Peace Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 27(4), pages 535-548, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:defpea:v:27:y:2016:i:4:p:535-548
    DOI: 10.1080/10242694.2015.1055937
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C73 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Stochastic and Dynamic Games; Evolutionary Games
    • F51 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - International Conflicts; Negotiations; Sanctions

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