Game Theory, Diplomatic History and Security Studies

by Frank C. Zagare

Overview

Known as the science of strategy, game theory is a branch of mathematics that has gained broad acceptance as a legitimate methodological tool, and has been widely adapted by a number of other fields.

Frank C. Zagare provides an introduction to the application of game theory in the fields of security studies and diplomatic history, demonstrating the advantages of using a formal game-theoretic framework to explain complex events and strategic relationships.

Comprised of three parts, the first illustrates the basic concepts of game theory, initially with abstract examples but later in the context of real world foreign policy decision-making. The author highlights the methodological problems of using game theory to construct an analytic narrative and the advantages of working around these obstacles. Part II develops three extended case studies that illustrate the theory at work: the First Moroccan Crisis of 1905-1906, the July Crisis of 1914, and the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. Finally, in Part III, Zagare describes a general theory of interstate conflict initiation, limitation, escalation, and resolution and rebuts criticisms of the methodology.

Logically demanding, Game Theory, Diplomatic History and Security Studies conveys an intuitive understanding of the theory of games through the use of real-world examples to exemplify the 'theory in action'.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780198831587
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	02/20/2019
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	9.30(w) x 6.10(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Frank C. Zagare, UB Distinguished Professor, University at Buffalo

Frank C. Zagare is UB Distinguished Professor of Political Science at the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (SUNY). Professor Zagare's main research interests lie in the nexus between security studies and game theory. His theoretical work has focused on deterrence, crises, conflict escalation, and bargaining and negotiation.

Table of Contents

1. Game Theory and Security Studies2. Game Theory and Diplomatic History3. The Moroccan Crisis of 1905-19064. A Game Theoretic History of the Cuban Missile Crisis5. A General Explanation of the Cuban Missile Crisis6. Explaining the 1914 War in Europe7. Perfect Deterrence Theory8. Explaining the Long Peace9. Postscript

Editorial Reviews

"This book is suitable for anyone interested in diplomatic history, politics, social science, economics, security studies and of course mathematics. Zagare is a prominent game theorist and political scientist and this book is one of his seminal contributions in the application of game theory in real life." — Dharma Lesmono, Mathematical Reviews Clippings

From the Publisher