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Information inconsistency and the cognitive algebra of foreign policy decision making

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  • Nehemia Geva
  • J. Mark Skorick

Abstract

This paper explores a special feature of the information complexity that underlies foreign policy decision making, i.e., inconsistency in information. We use the actor and action images to categorize types of inconsistency. The consequences of inconsistency for process and outcome are analyzed within the framework of a cognitive algebra model. Finally, we demonstrate the implications of the model in an experimental study. Our findings show that not every inconsistency is detected and those that are detected do not always affect the choice. The critical inconsistency is the one that presents an imbalanced structure of the actor and the action image. This inconsistency affects the choices made by decision‐makers and sensitizes them to the within image inconsistency. Furthermore, the results suggests that in the context of the scenarios employed in this experiment the actor image has a more dominant status for the foreign policy decision making process than the action image.

Suggested Citation

  • Nehemia Geva & J. Mark Skorick, 1999. "Information inconsistency and the cognitive algebra of foreign policy decision making," International Interactions, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 25(4), pages 333-362, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:ginixx:v:25:y:1999:i:4:p:333-362
    DOI: 10.1080/03050629908434956
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    Cited by:

    1. Nehemia Geva & James Mayhar & J. Mark Skorick, 2000. "The Cognitive Calculus of Foreign Policy Decision Making," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 44(4), pages 447-471, August.

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