Seasonal payoff variations and the evolution of cooperation in social dilemmas

Varying environmental conditions affect relations between interacting individuals in social dilemmas, thus affecting also the evolution of cooperation. Oftentimes these environmental variations are seasonal and can therefore be mathematically described as periodic changes. Accordingly, we here study how periodic shifts between different manifestations of social dilemmas affect cooperation. We observe a non-trivial interplay between the inherent spatiotemporal dynamics that characterizes the spreading of cooperation in a particular social dilemma type and the frequency of payoff changes. In particular, we show that periodic changes between two available games with global ordering best be fast, while periodic changes between global and local ordering games best be slow for cooperation to thrive. We also show that the frequency of periodic changes between two local ordering social dilemmas is irrelevant, because then the process is fast and simply the average cooperation level of the two is returned. The structure of the interaction network plays an important role too in that lattices promote local ordering, whilst random graphs hinder the formation of compact cooperative clusters. Conversely, for local ordering the regular structure of the interaction network is only marginally relevant as role-separating checkerboard patterns do not rely on long-range order.Comment: 9 two-column pages, 6 figures; accepted for publication in Scientific Report

Initial State Stabilities and Inverse Engineering in Conflict Resolution

Two original contributions are made which extend the Graph Model for Conflict Resolution: one is a new family of solution concepts, while the other is a novel methodological approach. In addition to theoretical contributions, applications to complex energy problems are demonstrated; in particular, the consideration of the ongoing Trans Mountain Expansion Project is the first of its kind. The family of solution concepts, called initial state stabilities, is designed to complement existing solution concepts within the Graph Model framework by modelling both risk-averse and risk-seeking decision-makers. The comparison which underpins these concepts examines the consequences of moving from a given starting state to those of remaining in that state. The types of individuals modelled by these stability concepts represent a new class of decision-makers which, up until now, had not been considered in the Graph Model paradigm. The innovative methodology presented is designed to "inverse engineer" decision-makers’ preferences based on their observable behaviour. The algorithms underlying the inverse engineering methodology are based on the most commonly used stability concepts in the Graph Model for Conflict Resolution and function by reducing the set of possible preference rankings for each decision-maker. The reduction is based on observable moves and counter-moves made by decision-makers. This procedure assists stakeholders in optimizing their own decision-making process based on information gathered about their opponents and can also be used to improve the modelling of strategic interactions. In addition to providing decision-makers and analysts with up-to-date preference information about opponents, the methodology is also equipped with an ADVICE function which enriches the decision-making process by providing important information regarding potential moves. Decision-makers who use the methods introduced in this thesis are provided with the expected value of each of their possible moves, with the probability of the opponent’s next response, and with the opponent reachable states. This insightful data helps establish an accurate picture of the conflict situation and in so doing, aids stakeholders in making strategic decisions. The applicability of this methodology is demonstrated through the study of the conflict surrounding the Trans Mountain Expansion Project in British Columbia, Canada

Netprov

Netprov is an emerging interdisciplinary digital art form that offers a literature-based “show” of insightful, healing satire that is as deep as the novels of the past. This accessible history of Netprov emerges out of an ongoing conversation about the changing roles and power dynamics of author and reader in an age of real-time interactivity. Rob Wittig describes a literary genre in which all the world is a platform and all participants are players. Beyond serving as a history of the genre, this book includes tips and examples to help those new to the genre teach and create netprovs