Though both candidates in an election may prefer to run positive campaigns, each candidate has incentives to "go negative" regardless of the type of campaign run by his or her opponent. This set of considerations creates a/an ________ for candidates when deciding what type of campaign to operate.

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This situation is a classic example of a prisoner's dilemma. Each candidate has an incentive to go negative, even if both candidates would benefit from running positive campaigns. If one candidate goes negative, the other candidate has to choose whether to retaliate with negative campaigning or to remain positive and risk losing ground. If both candidates go negative, it can result in a damaging and toxic campaign for all involved. Thus, the situation creates a classic prisoner's dilemma where each candidate is tempted to choose the option that is individually rational but collectively suboptimal.

Though Both Candidates in an Election May Prefer to Run