ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the use of adaptive computational modeling techniques in the field of political economy. It considers the advantages of computational methods. The chapter describes two computational models: a spatial model of electoral competition and a Tiebout model. It discusses what the future may hold for these new techniques. The chapter summarizes computational methods in the context of two basic models in political economy. it reveals the strengths and weaknesses of both computational and mathematical approaches. Computational approaches can change the way social scientists understand social phenomena by forcing them to reconsider core assumptions. While the advantages of computational models make a compelling case for their implementation, practitioners must address important methodological issues. Computational modeling is no different than any other scientific enterprise; there are instances of brittle results being driven by both ignorance and political agendas.
