Game Theory, Diplomatic History and Security Studies (Relié)

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 aims to provide an introduction to the appLication of game theory in the fields of security studies and diplomatic history, demonstrating the several advantages of using a formal game-theoretic framework to explain complex events and strategic relationships.
Comprising 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 Moroccan Crisis of 1905-6, 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 resolytion and rebuts criticisms of the methodology. Although logically demanding, Game Theory, Diplomatic History and Security Studies is an accessible read, as it aims to convey an intuitive understanding of the theory of games through the use of real world examples to exemplify the "theory in action".
Frank C. Zagare is UB Distinguished Professor of Political Science at the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (SUNY).