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Asymmetric Conflicts with Endogenous Dimensionality

Author

Listed:
  • Dan Kovencok

    (University of Iowa)

  • Michael J. Mauboussin

    (Legg Mason Capital Management and Columbia Business School)

  • Brian Roberson

    (Purdue University)

Abstract

This article examines a two-stage model of asymmetric conflict based on the classic Colonel Blotto game in which players have, in the first stage, the ability to increase the number of battlefields contested. It thereby endogenizes the “dimensionality†of conflict. In equilibrium, if the asymmetry in the players’ resource endowments exceeds a threshold, the weak player chooses to add battlefields, while the strong player never does. Adding battlefields spreads the strong player’s forces more thinly, increasing the incidence of favorable strategic mismatches for the weak player.

Suggested Citation

  • Dan Kovencok & Michael J. Mauboussin & Brian Roberson, 2010. "Asymmetric Conflicts with Endogenous Dimensionality," Korean Economic Review, Korean Economic Association, vol. 26, pages 287-305.
    • Handle: RePEc:kea:keappr:ker-20101231-26-2-03
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Cited by:

    1. Avrahami, Judith & Kareev, Yaakov & Todd, Peter M. & Silverman, Boaz, 2014. "Allocation of resources in asymmetric competitions: How do the weak maintain a chance of winning?," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 42(C), pages 161-174.
    2. David Rietzke & Brian Roberson, 2013. "The robustness of ‘enemy-of-my-enemy-is-my-friend’ alliances," Social Choice and Welfare, Springer;The Society for Social Choice and Welfare, vol. 40(4), pages 937-956, April.
    3. Scott Macdonell & Nick Mastronardi, 2015. "Waging simple wars: a complete characterization of two-battlefield Blotto equilibria," Economic Theory, Springer;Society for the Advancement of Economic Theory (SAET), vol. 58(1), pages 183-216, January.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Asymmetric Conflict; Multi-battle Conflict; Colonel Blotto Game; Stochastic Guerilla Warfare; Endogenous Dimensionality;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games
    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions

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