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Alliance Formation in a Multipolar World

Author

Listed:
  • Peter Devine

    (Boston College)

  • Sumit Joshi

    (George Washington University)

  • Ahmed Saber Mahmud

    (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University)

Abstract

We propose a multilayer network approach to alliance formation. In a signed affinity layer, agents are partitioned into clusters, with friendly relations within and hostile connections across clusters. Agents then form defensive collaborations in an alliance layer as follows: Agents in the same cluster form a nested split graph with degree inversely correlated to the level of hostility, and agents from disparate clusters with high-degree and low-hostility form cliques. Within cliques, agents from a cluster that is "intermediate" in terms of discord serve as a bridge to interconnect agents from more "extreme" clusters.

Suggested Citation

  • Peter Devine & Sumit Joshi & Ahmed Saber Mahmud, 2024. "Alliance Formation in a Multipolar World," Boston College Working Papers in Economics 1071, Boston College Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:boc:bocoec:1071
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Sandeep Baliga & Tomas Sjostrom, 2012. "The Strategy of Manipulating Conflict," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 102(6), pages 2897-2922, October.
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Alliance formation; signed graphs; nested split graphs; pairwise stability; cliques;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games
    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions
    • D85 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Network Formation

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