Asymmetric conflict: Structures, strategies, and settlement.

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary Game Theory
• Neurobiology
• Psychology
• Sociocultural Mechanisms
• Political Science
• Anthropology

Background:

• Conflict within and between groups is analyzed through an asymmetric game of strategy framework.
• Evolved neurobiological, psychological, and sociocultural mechanisms underlying attack and defense are explored.
• The superordinate structure of attack and defense, and its subordinate means for status quo maintenance versus change, is highlighted.

Purpose of the Study:

• To extend and supplement a strategic model of conflict with insights from diverse disciplines.
• To investigate how conflict structure and power disparities influence attack and defense strategies.
• To examine the endogenous emergence of attack/defense positions and the role of rhetoric.
• To explore interventions for transforming conflict into coordination games.

Main Methods:

• Modeling conflict as an asymmetric game of strategy.
• Integrating insights from 27 commentaries across various disciplines (e.g., animal biology, neuroscience, political science).
• Analyzing variations in conflict structure and power dynamics.
• Examining psychological and economic intervention strategies.

Main Results:

• Variations in conflict structure and power disparities impact strategy selection and behavior.
• Attack and defense positions emerge endogenously and are influenced by rhetoric and propaganda.
• Psychological and economic interventions can shift conflicts towards coordination games, enabling mutual gains and dispute resolution.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a comprehensive framework for understanding evolved conflict mechanisms.
• It highlights the dynamic nature of attack and defense roles and their susceptibility to manipulation.
• The research suggests pathways for conflict transformation through strategic interventions, promoting cooperation and mutual benefit.