Alliances Among Asymmetric Countries

Roy Chowdhury, Prabal (2006): Alliances Among Asymmetric Countries. Forthcoming in: Defence and Peace Economics

Abstract

We examine alliances between asymmetric countries. We find that the results depend on the nature of the equilibrium. If the equilibrium is an interior one then, with an increase in asymmetry, the level of the alliance-wide defense good decreases and the divergence between the first best and the equilibrium level of the defense good increases. In case the equilibrium involves a corner solution, these results are reversed though. It may be argued, however, that the interior equilibrium case is the more relevant one.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Institution: Indian Statistical Institute, Delhi Center
• Language: English
• Keywords: Alliance; Asymmetry; Public good; Defence
• Subjects: P - Economic Systems > P1 - Capitalist Systems > P16 - Political Economy; D - Microeconomics > D7 - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making > D74 - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances

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