Divide and Conquer

45 Pages Posted: 5 Jun 2009 Last revised: 17 Jun 2010

See all articles by Eric A. Posner

Eric A. Posner

University of Chicago - Law School

Kathryn E. Spier

Harvard University - Law School - Faculty; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

Adrian Vermeule

Harvard Law School

Date Written: May 26, 2009

Abstract

The maxim “divide and conquer” (divide et impera) is frequently invoked in legal theory and the social sciences. We suggest that the maxim is a placeholder for a complex of ideas related by a family resemblance, but differing in their details, mechanisms and implications. We provide an analytic taxonomy of divide and conquer mechanisms in the settings of a Stag Hunt Game and an indefinitely-repeated Prisoners’ Dilemma. These two games both illustrate a tension between the social desirability of cooperation and the private incentives for safety and short-run gains. Next, we describe the role of third parties who are not themselves players of these games but who will be harmed if the players cooperate. In particular, we explore a variety of divide-and-conquer strategies – including the sabotage of communication channels, the payment of bribes, and the imposition of penalties – that effectively prevent cooperation among the players of these games. A number of applications are considered, including labor law, constitutional design and the separation of powers, imperialism and race relations, international law, litigation and settlement, and antitrust law. Conditions under which divide and conquer strategies reduce or enhance social welfare, and techniques that policy makers can use to combat divide and conquer tactics, are also discussed.

Suggested Citation

Posner, Eric A. and Spier, Kathryn E. and Vermeule, Adrian, Divide and Conquer (May 26, 2009). U of Chicago Law & Economics, Olin Working Paper No. 467, Harvard Public Law Working Paper No. 09-24, Harvard Law and Economics Discussion Paper No. 639, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1414319 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1414319

Eric A. Posner (Contact Author)

University of Chicago - Law School ( email )

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Kathryn E. Spier

Harvard University - Law School - Faculty ( email )

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National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

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Adrian Vermeule

Harvard Law School ( email )

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Cambridge, MA 02138
United States

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