Game Theory and International Environmental Cooperation

摘要

Game theory has recently been employed by international law scholars. Game theoretical models and concepts provide a valuable tool for analysing the phenomenon of cooperation. The employment of game theory may well enhance the prospects of international environmental cooperation for the long run. Game theoretical analysis requires us to examine the factors that motivate national decision-makers to cooperate with others. Identifying these critical factors may assist scholars and policy-makers to anticipate which environmental domains are more susceptible to collective action failure. More importantly, having understood the impact of these factors on the emergence of cooperation, game theoretical analysis may offer appropriate legal mechanisms to modify the structure of problematic settings in order to improve the prospects of environmental cooperation. This article discusses some of the principal factors that influence the emergence and maintenance of environmental cooperation and offers examples to illustrate the potential contribution of game theory to enhance the effectiveness of international environmental regimes.