Abstract

Game theory is elaborated as a theoretical approach to international politics by contrasting it with metaphorical and analogical uses of games. Because it embraces a diversity of models, game theory is especially useful for capturing the most important contextual features of the international system that affect prospects for international cooperation. Through a discussion of the relation among and extension of different game models, the versatility and scope of game-theoretic approaches to international relations are demonstrated. Special attention is paid to the empirical issues of international politics which are raised by game theory and are analyzed in other articles in this symposium.

Keywords

Scope (computer science)Extension (predicate logic)Game theoryDiversity (politics)PoliticsInternational relationsRelation (database)Positive economicsSimulations and games in economics educationEpistemologyPolitical scienceMathematical economicsRepeated gameComputer scienceEconomicsLawPhilosophy

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Publication Info

Year
1985
Type
article
Volume
38
Issue
1
Pages
25-57
Citations
248
Access
Closed

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Duncan Snidal (1985). The Game Theory of International Politics. World Politics , 38 (1) , 25-57. https://doi.org/10.2307/2010350

Identifiers

DOI
10.2307/2010350