GOVT 3274 - [Game Theory and Politics]

(SBA-AS)

Fall. Next offered 2018-2019. 4 credits. Letter grades only.

A. Little.

Game theory is the (mathematical) study of strategic actors trying to get what they want. Political Science is the study of who gets what, when, and how. So, it should come as no surprise that game theory has provided insight into many of the fundamental questions in Political Science. In this class we will study some of the most influential and controversial of these applications, including to the following questions. How is it possible to get individuals, political parties, and countries to cooperate? Why are some dictatorships overthrown, while others last for generations? Why do people vote, and how to parties compete for their votes? Why do politicians comply with democratic rules in the first place?