Strategic instincts : the adaptive advantages of cognitive biases in international politics

Author / Creator

Johnson, Dominic D. P., 1974- author

Available as

Online

Summary

A widespread assumption in political science and international relations is that cognitive biases - quirks of the brain we all share as human beings - are detrimental and responsible for policy fai...

A widespread assumption in political science and international relations is that cognitive biases - quirks of the brain we all share as human beings - are detrimental and responsible for policy failures, disasters, and wars. This book challenges this assumption, explaining that these nonrational behaviors can actually support favorable results in international politics and contribute to political and strategic success. By studying past examples, the book considers the ways that cognitive biases act as 'strategic instincts,' lending a competitive edge in policy decisions, especially under conditions of unpredictability and imperfect information.

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