Converting social conflict: Focal points and the evolution of cooperation

Peter T. Leeson (), Christopher J. Coyne and Peter J. Boettke ()

The Review of Austrian Economics, 2006, vol. 19, issue 2, pages 137-147

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. Copyright Springer Science + Business Media, Inc. 2006

Keywords: Focal points; Robustness; Cooperation; Conflict (search for similar items in EconPapers)

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