Daily News Analysis » Prisoner’s Dilemma

Prisoner’s Dilemma

Recently at the Goa Maritime Conclave, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh referred to the concept of “Prisoner’s Dilemma” to underscore the need for countries to collaborate with each other.

    • In the Prisoner’s Dilemma, two people choose either to cooperate with each other or to act selfishly, not knowing what the other will choose.
    • If one cooperates and the other doesn’t, the one who cooperated is at a disadvantage, creating a fear of betrayal.

    Best Outcome with Cooperation: 

    • The dilemma shows that the best result for both is achieved through mutual cooperation, but mistrust can prevent this.

    Case Study (International Relations): Each country might build up arms for self-protection, but if both do this, it leads to an arms race, making both countries less secure.


    Why In News:

    • Recently at the Goa Maritime Conclave, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh referred to the concept of “Prisoner’s Dilemma” to underscore the need for countries to collaborate with each other.