Asymmetric Conflicts with Endogenous Dimensionality

Authors

Dan Kovenock, Chapman UniversityFollow
Michael J. Mauboussin, Columbia Business School
Brian Roberson, Purdue University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2010

Abstract

This article examines a two-stage model of asymmetric conflict based on the classic Colonel Blotto game in which players have, in the first stage, the ability to increase the number of battlefields contested. It thereby endogenizes the "dimensionality" of conflict. In equilibrium, if the asymmetry in the players' resource endowments exceeds a threshold, the weak player chooses to add battlefields, while the strong player never does. Adding battlefields spreads the strong player's forces more thinly, increasing the incidence of favorable strategic mismatches for the weak player.

Comments

This article was originally published in Korean Economic Review, volume 26, in 2010.

Recommended Citation

Kovenock, Dan, Michael J. Mauboussin, and Brian Roberson. "Asymmetric conflicts with endogenous dimensionality." Korean Econ Rev 26 (2010): 287-305.

Peer Reviewed

1

Copyright

Korean Economic Review