10-11: Threats, Promises, Commitments; Credibility, Deterrence, Compliance Flashcards
What is a strategic move?
A threat, promise, or commitment
What is a commitment?
An unconditional statement that a player will make a certain decision
What is a promise?
A conditional commitment to take an action favorable to another player if that player takes a certain action
What is a threat?
A conditional action to take an action unfavorable to another player if that player takes a certain action
Which is cheaper, an effective threat or an effective promise?
An effective threat because you won’t have to do the thing you don’t want to do if the other player complies
How can you achieve better credibility?
Change your payoffs or restrict your strategies
What is rational irrationality?
Convincing the other player that you don’t play rationally in an iterated game, which may make incredible threats credible
What is reputation?
That which is gained by consistently adhering to commitments
What is the enemy of credible strategy?
Flexibility
What are salami tactics?
Chipping away at the other player’s position bit by bit
What is a possible response to salami tactics?
Brinkmanship
What is brinkmanship?
Slowly increasing the possibility that a disproportionate response will be used
When are salami tactics effective?
When the other player’s only response is disproportionate
What are two tactics to reduce flexibility?
A doomsday device and burning your bridges
What are the goals of strategic moves?
Deterrence or compellence
