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Why do lions get the lion's share? A Hobbesian theory of agreements

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Author Info
Joan Esteban
Jozsef Sakovics ()

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Abstract

We propose a new bargaining solution, based on the idea - borrowed from Hobbes - that the agreement reached in a negotiation should be determined by how the direct conflict resulting from disagreement would be resolved. The explicit modeling of the disagreement game directly leads to the observation that the outcome of conflict is a function of the stakes. Thus, our basic building block is the disagreement function, which maps each set of feasible agreements into a disagreement point. Using this function and a weakening(!) of the Independence of Irrelevant Alternatives axiom, based on individual rationality, we reach a unique solution. The main feature of the solution is that it is reached via a sequence of partial agreements. We also give two alternative characterizations; one based on a multi-stage, strategic game and one on renegotiation.

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Publisher Info
Paper provided by Edinburgh School of Economics, University of Edinburgh in its series ESE Discussion Papers with number 37.

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Length: 40
Date of creation: Apr 2004
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Handle: RePEc:edn:esedps:37

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Related research
Keywords: Bargaining; conflict; disagreement; Hobbes; social contract;

Find related papers by JEL classification:
C78 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Bargaining Theory; Matching Theory
D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances

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  1. Eric Maskin & John Moore, 1999. "Implementation and Renegotiation," Harvard Institute of Economic Research Working Papers 1863, Harvard - Institute of Economic Research.
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  2. Chen, Mark A. & Maskin, Eric S., 1999. "Bargaining, Production, and Monotonicity in Economic Environments," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 89(1), pages 140-147, November. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
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  4. Busch, Lutz-Alexander & Wen, Quan, 1995. "Perfect Equilibria in Negotiation Model," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 63(3), pages 545-65, May. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
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  5. Clara Ponsati & Joel Watson, 1994. "Multiple-Issue Bargaining and Axiomatic Solutions," University of California at San Diego, Economics Working Paper Series 94-14, Department of Economics, UC San Diego.
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  6. Hart, Oliver & Moore, John, 1999. "Foundations of Incomplete Contracts," Review of Economic Studies, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 66(1), pages 115-38, January. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
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  7. Powell, Robert, 1996. "Bargaining in the Shadow of Power," Games and Economic Behavior, Elsevier, vol. 15(2), pages 255-289, August. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
  8. Crawford, Vincent P, 1982. "A Theory of Disagreement in Bargaining," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 50(3), pages 607-37, May. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
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  17. Martin J. Osborne & Ariel Rubinstein, 2005. "Bargaining and Markets," Levine's Bibliography 666156000000000515, UCLA Department of Economics. [Downloadable!]
  18. Rabin, Matthew, 1993. "Incorporating Fairness into Game Theory and Economics," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 83(5), pages 1281-1302, December. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
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  21. Grossman, Herschel I, 1991. "A General Equilibrium Model of Insurrections," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 81(4), pages 912-21, September. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
  22. Horowitz, Andrew W, 1993. "Time Paths of Land Reform: A Theoretical Model of Reform Dynamics," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 83(4), pages 1003-10, September. [Downloadable!] (restricted)
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