Steven J. Brams' Theory of Moves, though based on the classical theory of games, proposes changes in its rules to render it a truly dynamic theory. By postulating that players think ahead not just to the immediate consequences of making moves, but also to the consequences of countermoves to these moves, counter-countermoves, and so on, it extends the strategic analysis of conflicts into the more distant future. It elucidates the role that different kinds of power - moving, order and threat - may have on conflict outcomes, and it also shows how misinformation affects player choices. Applied to a series of cases drawn from politics, economics, sociology, fiction and the Bible, the theory provides not only a parsimonious explanation of their outcomes, but also shows why they unfolded as they did. This book, which assumes no prior knowledge of game theory or special mathematical background, will be of interest to scholars and students throughout the social sciences.

This book aims to show how game theory can be radically reformulated so as to make it applicable to the study of strategic conflict in a number of fields.
Reviews
' ... should provide interesting reading to those who favour the direct interplay between the method and its applications ... contributes to an important debate on the current directions of the game theory research program, especially in its extension to political science and international relations.' Public Choice



Book Information
ISBN 9780521458672
Author Steven J. Brams
Format Paperback
Page Count 264
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 415g
Dimensions(mm) 228mm * 152mm * 18mm