Prisoner’s Dilemma Explained — Game Theory & IR Simplified | UPSC PSIR Optional

This lecture explores the Prisoner’s Dilemma, a foundational concept in game theory that illustrates the tension between individual rationality and collective benefit.
Definition: Two prisoners must decide whether to cooperate (stay silent) or defect (betray). Rational self‑interest leads both to defect, even though mutual cooperation would yield a better outcome.
Core idea: Shows how rational actors often fail to achieve optimal collective outcomes due to mistrust and incentives.
Applications in International Politics:
Nuclear arms race (US vs USSR).
Climate change negotiations (states defect for short‑term gains).
Trade wars and tariff disputes.
Key insights:
Cooperation requires trust, communication, and institutions.
Repeated interactions (iterated prisoner’s dilemma) encourage cooperation.
Highlights the importance of international organizations (UN, WTO) in reducing mistrust.
Exam strategy: Define the dilemma, explain payoff matrix, give examples, and evaluate strengths/limits.
This lecture includes clear diagrams, real‑world examples, and UPSC/PSIR exam tips to help you frame answers with definitions, thinkers, examples, and balanced evaluation.

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