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Behavioral Economics and Nuclear Weapons: A New Paradigm in Security and International Relations Studies

Alan Turner

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Published in Behavioral Economics And Nuclear Weapons (Studies In Security And International Affairs Ser 28)

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Behavioral Economics and Nuclear Weapons (Studies in Security and International Affairs Ser 28)

Behavioral Economics and Nuclear Weapons (Studies in Security and International Affairs Ser. Book 28)

by Christopher Lowen Agee

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2721 KB
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Print length	:	232 pages

Nuclear weapons pose an existential threat to humanity, and their potential use has been a central concern of security and international relations studies for decades. Traditional approaches to nuclear security have focused primarily on technical and military factors, such as arms control treaties, nuclear deterrence, and crisis management protocols. However, in recent years, there has been growing recognition of the importance of behavioral factors in nuclear decision-making.

Behavioral Economics: A New Lens on Decision-Making

Behavioral economics is a field of research that explores the psychological and cognitive factors that influence economic decisions. It has shown that people do not always make rational decisions in accordance with economic models. Instead, they are often influenced by emotions, biases, and social norms.

Behavioral economics offers a new lens through which to understand nuclear weapons security and international relations. By incorporating insights from behavioral economics, policymakers can gain a deeper understanding of the cognitive biases, social norms, and emotions that influence nuclear decision-making. This understanding can lead to more effective policies and strategies for reducing the risk of nuclear conflict.

Contributions of Behavioral Economics to Nuclear Security Studies

Nuclear Risk Perception

One of the most important contributions of behavioral economics to nuclear security studies is its insights into how people perceive nuclear risk. Traditional approaches to nuclear security have often assumed that policymakers and the public have a rational understanding of the risks associated with nuclear weapons. However, behavioral research has shown that nuclear risk perception is often distorted by cognitive biases.

For example, people tend to overestimate the likelihood of certain types of nuclear accidents or attacks, while underestimating the risks of others. This can lead to misinformed policy decisions and public panic.

Escalation Dynamics

Another important contribution of behavioral economics is its insights into escalation dynamics during nuclear crises. Traditional approaches to crisis management have focused on rational actor models, which assume that policymakers will make decisions in a calculated and deliberate manner. However, behavioral research has shown that emotions and social norms can play a significant role in escalation dynamics.

For example, feelings of fear, anger, and mistrust can lead to misperceptions, overreactions, and escalation. Additionally, social norms of reciprocity and honor can make it difficult for policymakers to back down from threats or provocations.

Diplomatic Bargaining

Behavioral economics can also help us understand diplomatic bargaining over nuclear weapons. Traditional approaches to negotiation have focused on rational actor models, which assume that negotiators will seek to maximize their own interests. However, behavioral research has shown that negotiators are often influenced by cognitive biases, emotions, and social norms.

For example, negotiators may be overconfident in their own abilities, or they may be influenced by framing effects. Additionally, social norms of reciprocity and fairness can influence the outcome of negotiations.

- Behavioral Economics as a Valuable Tool

Behavioral economics offers a new and valuable perspective on nuclear weapons security and international relations. By incorporating insights from behavioral economics, policymakers can gain a deeper understanding of the cognitive biases, social norms, and emotions that influence nuclear decision-making.

Behavioral Economics and Nuclear Weapons (Studies in Security and International Affairs Ser. Book 28)

by Christopher Lowen Agee

4.7 out of 5