Shornikov E.I. Game theory: Models of conflict situations in the Volga villages of the early XX century // The Russian Peasant Studies. 2017. V.2. №2. P.  90-100.

DOI: 10.22394/2500-1809-2017-2-2-90-100

Annotation

The article considers the applicability of game theory for the study of conflicts in peas­ant communes in the first half of the XX century. Game theory models can explain peas­ant motives and behavior and reconstruct the decision-making in the commune under the conflict. Game theory can become a part of the historical analysis for it is an inter­disciplinary approach that can reveal the logic of endogenous behavior within the com­mune and its interaction with external institutions and actors. The author provides dif­ferent definitions of game theory and considers its potential for the analysis of peasant life. The article defines principles and prerequisites for constructing a mathematical model of the peasant commune behavior under the conflict, and factors that motivate peasants to follow a certain line of actions and to choose specific strategies in differ­ent situations. The main problem of the game model is the dependence of each ‘player’ on the actions of other ‘players’. The author presents a cognitive mathematical model based on the clash of interests of a manager (willing to increase economic efficiency) and a commune (willing to ensure justice on the principles of a moral economy and ethics of survival). Thus, the author identifies transactional and information functions of peasant revolts.

Keywords

peasant community, game theory, conflict, revolution, frankpledge, mathematical model, violence, survival ethics

About the author

Evgeny I. Shornikov , Postgraduate Student, School of Public Policy, Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration. Russia, 119571, Moscow, prosp. Vernadskogo, 82.
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