Evolutionary dynamics of strategic behavior in a collective-risk dilemma.

ABSTRACT: A collective-risk social dilemma arises when a group must cooperate to reach a common target in order to avoid the risk of collective loss while each individual is tempted to free-ride on the contributions of others. In contrast to the prisoners' dilemma or public goods games, the collective-risk dilemma encompasses the risk that all individuals lose everything. These characteristics have potential relevance for dangerous climate change and other risky social dilemmas. Cooperation is costly to the individual and it only benefits all individuals if the common target is reached. An individual thus invests without guarantee that the investment is worthwhile for anyone. If there are several subsequent stages of investment, it is not clear when individuals should contribute. For example, they c

SUBMITTER: Abou Chakra M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3426567 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature