Rationality and the Analysis of International Conflict [Paperback]

This book covers the problems of rational decision-making in conflict situations.Problems of rational decision-making in conflict situations are highlighted in an examination of theories of arms races, alliances, and the international problems of ecology from a social scientific perspective.Problems of rational decision-making in conflict situations are highlighted in an examination of theories of arms races, alliances, and the international problems of ecology from a social scientific perspective.In this book, Michael Nicholson outlines social scientific approaches to international relations and then describes the problems of rational decision-making in conflict situations. He shows how rationality is in many strategic situations hard to define and often leads to paradoxes such as the prisoners dilemma, and explores rational beliefs about the international system. He examines theories of arms races, alliances, and the international problems of ecology. Here he is critical of the classical school of international relations for a lack of rigor in dealing with the problems of evidence and belief. Finally, Michael Nicholson discusses the philosophy of science, policy, and ethics. This book is both an exposition and a defense of a social scientific approach to international relations. With its emphasis on social scientific approaches, theory building and testing--and above all its clarity and accessibility--it provides students with a key to understanding the complex field of conflict analysis.Preface; Introduction: rationality and the analysis of conflict; Part I. Conflict: 1. Concepts of conflict; 2. Social science and the study of conflict; Part II. Rational Behaviour: 3. Rationality and Conflict; 4. Conflict and the paradoxes of rationality; 5. The zero-sum game: solutions and interpretations; 6. Emotion and rationality; 7. International crises: the warping of rationality; Rational behaviour and rational choice: an assessment; Part III. Rational Belief: Sol#