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Self-Containment: Achieving Peace in Anarchic Settings

Author

Listed:
  • Antonis Adam

    (Department of Economics, University of Ioannina)

  • Petros G. Sekeris

    (Center for Research in the Economics of Development, University of Namur)

Abstract

In anarchic settings, the potential rivals are dragged in an arms race that can degenerate in an open war out of mutual suspicion. We propose a novel commitment device for contestants to avoid both arming and fighting. We allow the players to decentralize the two core decisions that determine whether peace or war ensues. While in centralized countries the decision makers are unable to credibly communicate to their foe their willingness not to arm and not to attack, where the two decisions are dissociated there exists scope for not arming with certainty, and hence overcoming the commitment problem that makes war otherwise inevitable. This mechanism complements existing theories on the Democratic Peace.

Suggested Citation

  • Antonis Adam & Petros G. Sekeris, 2010. "Self-Containment: Achieving Peace in Anarchic Settings," Working Papers 1014, University of Namur, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:nam:wpaper:1014
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Conflict; Private Information; Democratic Peace;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions
    • D82 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Asymmetric and Private Information; Mechanism Design
    • F5 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy
    • H56 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - National Security and War

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