Converting Social Conflict: Focal Points and the Evolution of Cooperation

12 Pages Posted: 23 Jan 2006 Last revised: 25 Oct 2010

See all articles by Peter T. Leeson

Peter T. Leeson

George Mason University - Department of Economics; George Mason University - Mercatus Center

Christopher J. Coyne

George Mason University - Department of Economics

Peter J. Boettke

George Mason University - Department of Economics; Mercatus Center at George Mason University

Date Written: 2006

Abstract

We examine the ability of focal points to transform situations of potential conflict into situations of cooperation. In performing this function, focal points convert "worst-case scenarios" into "better-case scenarios," which are easier for political economic systems to handle. Focal points thus contribute to the ability of political economies to perform well in the face of less than ideal conditions, enhancing systemic robustness.

Keywords: Focal points, Robustness, Cooperation, Conflict

JEL Classification: P0

Suggested Citation

Leeson, Peter T. and Coyne, Christopher J. and Boettke, Peter J. and Boettke, Peter J., Converting Social Conflict: Focal Points and the Evolution of Cooperation (2006). Review of Austrian Economics, Vol. 19, No. 2/3, pp. 137-147, 2006, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=876493

Peter T. Leeson (Contact Author)

George Mason University - Department of Economics ( email )

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HOME PAGE: http://www.peterleeson.com

George Mason University - Mercatus Center ( email )

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HOME PAGE: http://ppe.mercatus.org/scholars/peter-leeson

Christopher J. Coyne

George Mason University - Department of Economics ( email )

4400 University Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
United States

HOME PAGE: http://www.ccoyne.com/

Peter J. Boettke

Mercatus Center at George Mason University ( email )

3434 Washington Blvd., 4th Floor
Arlington, VA 22201
United States

George Mason University - Department of Economics ( email )

4400 University Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
United States
703-993-1149 (Phone)
703-993-1133 (Fax)

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