Cooperation among Strangers under the Shadow of the Future

S-Tier
Journal: American Economic Review
Year: 2009
Volume: 99
Issue: 3
Pages: 979-1005

Score contribution per author:

4.022 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 4.0x S-tier

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

Abstract

We study the emergence of norms of cooperation in experimental economies populated by strangers interacting indefinitely. Can these economies achieve full efficiency even without formal enforcement institutions? Which institutions for monitoring and enforcement facilitate cooperation? Finally, what classes of strategies do subjects employ? We find that, first, cooperation can be sustained even in anonymous settings; second, some type of monitoring and punishment institutions significantly promote cooperation; and, third, subjects mostly employ strategies that are selective in punishment. (JEL C71, C73, D12, Z13)

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aecrev:v:99:y:2009:i:3:p:979-1005
Journal Field
General
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-25