Summary
This book argues that conflict of interest arises from divergent goals between actors, even when they share a common overarching interest. It introduces the concept of the "conflict of interest matrix" to systematically analyze these divergent goals and their implications for political behavior. Axelrod demonstrates how these divergent goals can lead to predictable patterns of behavior and suboptimal outcomes.
The book applies this theory to various political situations, showing how understanding the specific structure of divergent goals can illuminate political strategies and decisions. Readers will learn to identify and analyze the core disagreements that drive political action, offering a new lens through which to understand complex political dynamics and the unintended consequences of policy.
Key concepts
- Divergent goals — Goals that differ between actors, even when they share a broader common interest.
- Conflict of interest matrix — A tool for systematically analyzing the structure of divergent goals between actors.
From the book
Title: Conflict of Interest by Robert M. Axelrod