Countries as agents in a global-scale computational model
Department(s)
Social Science
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-30-2018
Keywords
Agent based modeling, Conflict resolution, Diplomacy, Economic analysis of conflict, Tribute, War
Abstract
Our agent-based model examines the ramifications of formal defense agreements between countries. Our model builds on previous work and creates an empirically based version of a tribute model in which actors within existing real-world networks demand tribute from one another. If the threatened actor does not pay the tribute, the aggressing actor will engage in a decision to start a war. Tribute and war payments are based on a measure of the country’s wealth. We utilize the Correlates of War dataset to provide us with worldwide historical defense alliance information. Using these networks as our initial conditions, we run the model forward from four prominent historical years and simulate the interactions that take place as well as the changes in overall wealth. Agents in the model employ a cost benefit analysis in their decision of whether or not to go to war. This model provides results that are in qualitative agreement with historical emergent macro outcomes seen over time.
Publication Title
JASSS
ISSN
14607425
Volume
21
Issue
3
DOI
10.18564/jasss.3717
Recommended Citation
Walbert, Harold J.; Caton, James L.; and Norgaard, Julia R., "Countries as agents in a global-scale computational model" (2018). Pepperdine University, All Faculty Open Access Publications. Paper 86.
https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/faculty_pubs/86