A Game Theory Scholar Believes Trumps Unpredictability Works Better in Poker than Politics
In many cases, politics is seen as a type of game. In order to win, a group or a person needs to gain more power than other players to advance their agenda. Victory can be achieved by cooperation with other contenders, domination over them or a combination of the two.
Also, a person or a group can decide not to take part in the current version of politics while they look into inventing their own game with different rules. The rules of the game depend on the structure of the political system. The contenders in the game send signals to each other as a means of determining if they will cooperate or compete. The contenders then decide how or if they will follow the rules of the game.
The game of politics is played both internationally and domestically. Internationally takes the form of alliances, treaties, transnational movements and other ways of coordinating and structuring a relationship.
Both elites and average people do take part in the game of politics. However, the ability to influence the results of the game is not shared equally. The elites can rig the rules of the game to their liking while still announcing that everything is fair and their victory is justified. On the other hand, average people need to find ways to negotiate and win in a game where the odds are more often skewed against them.
In the latest game of American politics, the question lies as to whether President Trump and some observers have suggested playing an elaborate game whereby the Democrats and his other rivals are not able to comprehend. Or if he is muddling through the instincts and force of will as he pushes the game of American politics to change it to his desires and dreams.
Reference
seangametheory 