Ambiguity and long-run cooperation in strategic games

C-Tier
Journal: Oxford Economic Papers
Year: 2021
Volume: 73
Issue: 3
Pages: 1077-1098

Score contribution per author:

0.503 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 0.5x C-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

We study the effects of ambiguity on long-run cooperation in infinitely repeated strategic games. Using a simple parametric model of ambiguity, we study conditions for sustaining cooperative equilibria in the long-run. We apply our framework to the prisoner’s dilemma and duopoly models. We find that (i) ambiguity may affect the game’s structure eventually making the noncooperative equilibrium ex ante preferred; (ii) higher levels of ambiguity make long-run cooperation less likely since it makes punishment schemes less effective; and (iii) large levels of ambiguity may preclude the possibility of mutually beneficial long-run agreements, even when cooperation is beneficial from an ex ante perspective.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:oup:oxecpp:v:73:y:2021:i:3:p:1077-1098.
Journal Field
General
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-29