The evolution of cooperation shaped by asymmetric link-weight integration capabilities

Xiaopeng Li, Shiyao Guo, Dongdong Li and Zhimin Lin

Chaos, Solitons & Fractals, 2026, vol. 202, issue P2

Abstract: Previous studies have demonstrated that incorporating the dynamic adjustment link-weight into fitness calculations can significantly enhance the evolution of cooperation. However, the asymmetry of such capabilities has been largely overlooked. This study examines the role of asymmetric link-weight integration capabilities in the evolution of cooperation by categorizing players into two distinct types. Specifically, players with a proportion of β possess the ability to integrate link-weight when computing the fitness, while those with a proportion of 1−β lack this capacity. Meanwhile, the link-weight between players adaptively and dynamically adjust during the evolutionary process. Extensive Monte Carlo simulations reveal at the macro level that, the evolution of cooperation in the system exhibits a pronounced positive correlation with β. In particular, the simulation results show remarkable agreement with the theoretical predictions derived from the generalized mean-field analysis. Then, through time series, strategy patterns and strategy transitions, the microscopic mechanism of evolutionary dynamics is deeply analyzed, and it is confirmed that cooperators with the capabilities to integrate link-weight play a leading role in promoting the evolution of cooperation. Finally, robustness verification demonstrates that the asymmetric link-weight integration capabilities in promoting the evolution of cooperation is also applicable to other strategy update mode and social dilemmas. Our findings aim to shed light on the dynamics of cooperation in spatial social dilemmas, providing fresh insights for future investigations.

Keywords: Asymmetrical ability; Evolution of cooperation; Evolutionary game theory; Spatial social dilemmas (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:chsofr:v:202:y:2026:i:p2:s0960077925016005

DOI: 10.1016/j.chaos.2025.117587

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