Arms races and arms control agreements exemplify what kind of international problem?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Arms races and arms control agreements are an example of the Prisoner's dilemma. In this scenario, two actors (in this case, countries) have the option to cooperate or defect. However, regardless of the other actor's choice, each actor has an incentive to defect, leading to a suboptimal outcome for both parties. Arms races occur when both actors engage in an arms buildup, fearing the other will become too powerful. Arms control agreements attempt to limit the build-up of weapons, but the fear of the other actor defecting and continuing to build-up weapons can lead to a breakdown in the agreement. This is a classic example of the Prisoner's dilemma in international relations.

Arms Races and Arms Control Agreements Exemplify What Kind of International