The Strategy of Conflict
The Strategy of Conflict
Thomas C. Schelling
Steven Pinker
Steven Pinker recommended this book in the "Tribe of Mentors" book.
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The Strategy of Conflict

The Strategy of Conflict

Thomas C. Schelling
By
Thomas C. Schelling
4.0
868
ratings on Goodreads

In "The Strategy of Conflict," Thomas C. Schelling embarks on a riveting exploration of game theory within the intricate dance of negotiation and conflict. With a keen analytical eye, Schelling delves into the paradoxes and strategies that underpin both the harmony and discord of human interactions. From the high-stakes tension of international diplomacy and the subtle maneuvers of criminal deterrence to the everyday negotiations and standoffs that pepper our personal lives, Schelling reveals the underlying frameworks that guide our decisions in situations fraught with both cooperation and competition. His groundbreaking analysis illuminates the shared tactics between seemingly disparate scenarios, such as the cunning required in both warding off a global crisis and navigating a traffic jam, showcasing the universality and complexity of strategic thinking in our interconnected world. Crafting a series of compelling essays, Schelling transforms our understanding of conflict and cooperation, extending beyond the realm of academic theory into the tangible realities of war, diplomacy, and everyday compromises. "The Strategy of Conflict" not only lays bare the mechanics of threats, promises, and communication in adversarial situations but also elevates these concepts into a sophisticated art form, revealing the delicate balance between mutual interest and opposition. Schelling's work is a testament to the power of strategic thinking, offering profound insights into the nature of human interaction and the potential for resolution amidst conflict. This seminal book is an indispensable guide for anyone seeking to navigate the complex terrains of negotiation, strategy, and human behavior with finesse and foresight.

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Released
1960
1 Jan
Length
328
Pages

1

recommendations

recommendation

Steven Pinker recommended this book in the "Tribe of Mentors" book.
Furthermore, theory that is based on the assumption that the participants coolly and “rationally” calculate their advantages according to a consistent value system forces us to think more thoroughly about the meaning of “irrationality.” Decision-makers are not simply distributed along a one-dimensional scale that stretches from complete rationality at one end to complete irrationality at the other. Rationality is a collection of attributes, and departures from complete rationality may be in many different directions. Irrationality can imply a disorderly and inconsistent value system, faulty calculation, an inability to receive messages or to communicate efficiently; it can imply random or haphazard influences in the reaching of decisions or the transmission of them, or in the receipt or conveyance of information; and it sometimes merely reflects the collective nature of a decision among individuals who do not have identical value systems and whose organizational arrangements and communication systems do not cause them to act like a single entity.
— Thomas C. Schelling, The Strategy of Conflict

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