The graph model for conflicts (Q1086182)

The graph model for conflicts is developed as a comprehensive methodology for realistically analyzing real world conflicts. The graph form takes outcomes, rather than individual decisions, as the basic units for describing a conflict. In the graph form, many solution concepts can be formulated for both two-player and multiplayer games. In particular, specific mathematical criteria are presented for categorizing solution concepts which can be used for predicting equilibria in n-player games. One of the criteria on which this taxonomy of solution concepts is based is the number of steps ahead a player may think, in terms of the reactions of other players to his actions. Other criteria include which players take part in the sanctioning process, and whether sanctioning moves are restricted to those which lead to immediate improvements for the mover. In order to demonstrate the insight which decision makers can gain from studying a dispute using the graph model, various solution concepts are applied to an important environmental engineering problem.