ABSTRACT
Game theory can be justifiably conceived as a ‘theory of rational decision in conflict situations’. A game is a decision problem in which the outcomes depend on combinations of choices by actors with different preferences for the outcomes. The central problems of game theory on the level of analysis concern strategies of play which a ‘rational player’ would presumably choose in the attempt to bring about the preferred outcome. Constant-sum games are those where the sum of the pay-offs to the two players is the same regardless of the outcome of the game. the criteria which single out certain out comes or outcome mixtures as ‘solution’ of two-person non-constant-sum games are criteria of ‘reasonableness’ rather than of ‘stability’ as is the case in the solutions of constant-sum games. The practising game theoretician is primarily interested in games as mathematical objects rather than as models of conflict. The value of game-theoretical ideas in peace research is in their insight potential.
