The Politics of the First World War
A Course in Game Theory and International Security

This analytical history of World War I offers a rigorous yet accessible training in game theory, and a survey of modern political science research.

Scott Wolford (Author)

9781108426015, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 21 February 2019

464 pages, 54 b/w illus. 10 maps
26.1 x 18.4 x 2.5 cm, 1.12 kg

'This is a superb book, a refreshing introduction to game theory, and an enlightening analysis of complex episodes in the unfolding of the First World War. A real tour de force.' Alexandre Debs, Yale University, Connecticut

The Great War is an immense, confusing and overwhelming historical conflict - the ideal case study for teaching game theory and international relations. Using thirteen historical puzzles, from the outbreak of the war and the stability of attrition, to unrestricted submarine warfare and American entry into the war, this book provides students with a rigorous yet accessible training in game theory. Each chapter shows, through guided exercises, how game theoretical models can explain otherwise challenging strategic puzzles, shedding light on the role of individual leaders in world politics, cooperation between coalitions partners, the effectiveness of international law, the termination of conflict, and the challenges of making peace. Its analytical history of World War I also surveys cutting edge political science research on international relations and the causes of war. Written by a leading game theorist known for his expertise of the war, this textbook includes useful student features such as chapter key terms, contemporary maps, a timeline of events, a list of key characters and additional end-of-chapter game-theoretic exercises.

Preface
1. Introduction: the Great War
2. The theory of War I: commitment problems
3. Armed continent: the Anglo-German naval race
4. Leaping into the dark: Europe goes to war
5. The theory of World War II: information problems
6. A scrap of paper: Belgium, France, and British entry
7. Troubled partnerships: coalitions at war
8. The best laid plans: attrition's static horror
9. Choosing sides: building military coalitions
10. Coordinating caution: naval war in the North Sea
11. The theory of World War III: commitment and war termination
12. The theory of World War IV: information and war termination
13. Too proud to fight?: U-boats and American neutrality
14. The end of the beginning: victory, defeat, and peace
15. Conclusion: history and the present
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Game theory [PBUD], Warfare & defence [JW], International relations [JPS], Politics & government [JP], Research methods: general [GPS]