Insightful theorems are established on interrelationships among coalition and noncooperative stability concepts defined within the paradigm of the Graph Model for Conflict Resolution. More specifically, the newly defi...Insightful theorems are established on interrelationships among coalition and noncooperative stability concepts defined within the paradigm of the Graph Model for Conflict Resolution. More specifically, the newly defined coalition stability def＇mitions that are considered are coalition Nash stability （CNash）, coalition general metarationality （CGMR）, coalition symmetric metarationality （CSMR） and coalition sequential stability （CSEQ）, along with their earlier-defined noncooperative versions. A range of interesting new theorems are derived to establish connections among these coalition stability concepts as well as between noncooperative and coalition stability definitions. Applications with respect to the games of Prisoner＇s Dilemma and Chicken, as well as a groundwater contamination dispute, demonstrate how the various stability definitions can be applied in practice and confirm the validity of some of the theorems as well as point out, by example, certain types of relationships which cannot hold.展开更多
A systematic fuzzy approach is developed to model fuzziness and uncertainties in the preferences of decision makers involved in a conflict. This unique fuzzy preference formulation is used within the paradigm of the G...A systematic fuzzy approach is developed to model fuzziness and uncertainties in the preferences of decision makers involved in a conflict. This unique fuzzy preference formulation is used within the paradigm of the Graph Model for Conflict Resolution in which a given dispute is modeled in terms of decision makers, each decision maker＇s courses of actions or options, and each decision maker＇s preferences concerning the states or outcomes which could take place. In order to be able to determine the stability of each state for each decision maker and the possible equilibria or resolutions, a range of solution concepts describing potential human behavior under conflict are defined for use with fuzzy preferences. More specifically, strong and weak definitions of stability are provided for the solution concepts called Nash, general metarational, symmetric metarational, and sequential stability. To illustrate how these solution concepts can be conveniently used in practice, they are applied to a dispute over the contamination of an aquifer by a chemical company located in Elmira, Ontario, Canada.展开更多
A formal methodology for analyzing the importance of weighing a decision maker＇s attitudes in a conflict is introduced and applied to the problem of negotiating a fair transfer of a brownfield property. A decision ma...A formal methodology for analyzing the importance of weighing a decision maker＇s attitudes in a conflict is introduced and applied to the problem of negotiating a fair transfer of a brownfield property. A decision maker＇s attitudes are expressed in his consideration of his own preferences, as well as those of his opponents. Dominating attitudes are used to suggest that in a circumstance in which a decision maker takes into account multiple perspectives due to his attitudes, he may favor one perspective more heavily. The analysis of a brownfield acquisition conflict illustrates the types of insights that this methodology reveals.展开更多
The utilization of decision support systems which are flexible enough to handle information about cooperative behavior and stakeholder attitudes are useful for analyzing complex social conflicts. One such conflict whi...The utilization of decision support systems which are flexible enough to handle information about cooperative behavior and stakeholder attitudes are useful for analyzing complex social conflicts. One such conflict which arose from the redevelopment of a private brownfield property in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada is examined using such a decision support tool. Specifically, a formal model referred to as COAT which allows for the examination of conflicts with both coalition and attitude properties is rigorously defined and then implemented within the framework of the Graph Model for Conflict Resolution in order that insights may be gained on how the decision makers can reach win-win resolutions.展开更多
A novel approach for assessing the robustness of an equilibrium in conflict resolution is presented. Roughly, an equilibrium is robust if it is resilient, or resistant to deviation. Robustness assessment is based on a...A novel approach for assessing the robustness of an equilibrium in conflict resolution is presented. Roughly, an equilibrium is robust if it is resilient, or resistant to deviation. Robustness assessment is based on a new concept called Level of Freedom, which evaluates the relative freedom of a decision maker to escape an equilibrium. Resolutions of a conflict can be affected by changes in decision makers＇ preferences, which may destabilize an equilibrium, causing the conflict to evolve. Hence, a conflict may become long-term and thereby continue to evolve, even after reaching an equilibrium. The new robustness measure is used to rank equilibria based on robustness, to facilitate distinguishing equiiibria that are relatively sustainable. An absolutely robust equilibrium is a special case in which the level of freedom is at an absolute minimum for each individual stability definition.展开更多
Sensitivity analyses based on an algebraic representation in the graph model for conflict resolution (GMCR) are generalized for ascertaining the robustness of stability results by varying decision makers' preferen...Sensitivity analyses based on an algebraic representation in the graph model for conflict resolution (GMCR) are generalized for ascertaining the robustness of stability results by varying decision makers' preference ranking.The ordinal preferences in GMCR are advantageous to carry out sensitivity analyses with respect to systematically identifying the influence of preference alterations upon the four basic stabilities consisting of Nash stability,general metarationality,symmetric metarationality and sequential stability.The proposed algebraic representation of the four basic stabilities is not only effective and convenient for computer implementation of sensitivity analysis,but also makes it easier to understand the meaning of the four stabilities when compared with the existing matrix representation.Further,these sensitivity analyses results are embedded into the latest version of the decision support system NUAAGMCR,which can be used to study real-world conflicts.To illustrate how these contributions to sensitivity analyses can be applied in practice and provide valuable strategic insights,they are used to investigate the civil war conflict in South Sudan.展开更多
A novel two-level hierarchical graph model is developed to analyze international climate change negotiations with hierarchical structures:the negotiations take place between two nations and between each nation and its...A novel two-level hierarchical graph model is developed to analyze international climate change negotiations with hierarchical structures:the negotiations take place between two nations and between each nation and its provincial governments.The two national government are two decision makers at the top level.Within each nation,the two provincial governments negotiate with the national government at the lower level.The theoretical structure of this novel model,including decision makers,options,moves,and preference relations,are developed.The interrelationship between the stabilities in the two-level hierarchical graph model and the stabilities in local models are investigated by theorems.These theorems can be utilized to calculate complete stabilities in the two-level hierarchical graph model when the stabilities in local graph models are known.The international climate change negotiations as the illustrative example is then investigated in detail.The extra equilibrium,uniquely obtained by this novel methodology,suggests that opposition may still be from one provincial government when the national government does not sign the international climate agreement and implements existing environmental laws.Compared with other approaches,this novel methodology is an effective and flexible tool in analyzing hierarchical conflicts at two levels by providing decision makers with strategic resolutions with broader vision.展开更多
New solution concepts for n-decision maker conflicts based on generalized metarationalities for modelling possible human behaviour under conflict are proposed.A classification of these solution concepts,also called st...New solution concepts for n-decision maker conflicts based on generalized metarationalities for modelling possible human behaviour under conflict are proposed.A classification of these solution concepts,also called stability definitions,is presented both to simplify understanding and to illustrate important differences among different stability regimes.The relationships among solution concepts are explored and new,more specific results are obtained in the comparison among existing stability concepts and the newly proposed ones.An informative example is used to demonstrate the applicability and insights of these solution concepts.展开更多
In 1951 Professor Weimin Zheng returned to the People＇s Republic of China from the United Kingdom to assist in building his country into a modern nation. Rather than pursue a doctoral degree at the California Institu...In 1951 Professor Weimin Zheng returned to the People＇s Republic of China from the United Kingdom to assist in building his country into a modern nation. Rather than pursue a doctoral degree at the California Institute of Technology, or Caltech as it is popularly called, Professor Zheng, unselfishly and patriotically, decided that he would devote his many talents to providing a first-class education to Chinese students within a strong university system. In particular,展开更多
文摘Insightful theorems are established on interrelationships among coalition and noncooperative stability concepts defined within the paradigm of the Graph Model for Conflict Resolution. More specifically, the newly defined coalition stability def＇mitions that are considered are coalition Nash stability （CNash）, coalition general metarationality （CGMR）, coalition symmetric metarationality （CSMR） and coalition sequential stability （CSEQ）, along with their earlier-defined noncooperative versions. A range of interesting new theorems are derived to establish connections among these coalition stability concepts as well as between noncooperative and coalition stability definitions. Applications with respect to the games of Prisoner＇s Dilemma and Chicken, as well as a groundwater contamination dispute, demonstrate how the various stability definitions can be applied in practice and confirm the validity of some of the theorems as well as point out, by example, certain types of relationships which cannot hold.
基金funded by a Discovery Grant from the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council(NSERC)of Canada as well as a grant from the Government of Saudi Arabia.
文摘A systematic fuzzy approach is developed to model fuzziness and uncertainties in the preferences of decision makers involved in a conflict. This unique fuzzy preference formulation is used within the paradigm of the Graph Model for Conflict Resolution in which a given dispute is modeled in terms of decision makers, each decision maker＇s courses of actions or options, and each decision maker＇s preferences concerning the states or outcomes which could take place. In order to be able to determine the stability of each state for each decision maker and the possible equilibria or resolutions, a range of solution concepts describing potential human behavior under conflict are defined for use with fuzzy preferences. More specifically, strong and weak definitions of stability are provided for the solution concepts called Nash, general metarational, symmetric metarational, and sequential stability. To illustrate how these solution concepts can be conveniently used in practice, they are applied to a dispute over the contamination of an aquifer by a chemical company located in Elmira, Ontario, Canada.
基金the Centre for International Governance Innovation(CIGI) for financially supporting Dr.Sean Bernath Walker during his PhD studies in Systems Design Engineering at the University of Waterloo(UW) under the project entitled Multiple Participant-Multiple Objective Decision Making in International Governance,headed by K.W.Hipelfunded by the UW Faculty of EngineeringThe Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council(NSERC) of Canada
文摘A formal methodology for analyzing the importance of weighing a decision maker＇s attitudes in a conflict is introduced and applied to the problem of negotiating a fair transfer of a brownfield property. A decision maker＇s attitudes are expressed in his consideration of his own preferences, as well as those of his opponents. Dominating attitudes are used to suggest that in a circumstance in which a decision maker takes into account multiple perspectives due to his attitudes, he may favor one perspective more heavily. The analysis of a brownfield acquisition conflict illustrates the types of insights that this methodology reveals.
文摘The utilization of decision support systems which are flexible enough to handle information about cooperative behavior and stakeholder attitudes are useful for analyzing complex social conflicts. One such conflict which arose from the redevelopment of a private brownfield property in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada is examined using such a decision support tool. Specifically, a formal model referred to as COAT which allows for the examination of conflicts with both coalition and attitude properties is rigorously defined and then implemented within the framework of the Graph Model for Conflict Resolution in order that insights may be gained on how the decision makers can reach win-win resolutions.
文摘A novel approach for assessing the robustness of an equilibrium in conflict resolution is presented. Roughly, an equilibrium is robust if it is resilient, or resistant to deviation. Robustness assessment is based on a new concept called Level of Freedom, which evaluates the relative freedom of a decision maker to escape an equilibrium. Resolutions of a conflict can be affected by changes in decision makers＇ preferences, which may destabilize an equilibrium, causing the conflict to evolve. Hence, a conflict may become long-term and thereby continue to evolve, even after reaching an equilibrium. The new robustness measure is used to rank equilibria based on robustness, to facilitate distinguishing equiiibria that are relatively sustainable. An absolutely robust equilibrium is a special case in which the level of freedom is at an absolute minimum for each individual stability definition.
基金The authors would like to express their appreciation to the anonymous reviewers and Editor for their constructive comments which improved the quality of the paper. The authors are grateful for the financial support supplied by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (71471087, 71071076 and 61673209), a Discovery Grant from the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada,and the Ministry of Education Humanities and Social Science Planning Foundation of China (18YJA630128).
文摘Sensitivity analyses based on an algebraic representation in the graph model for conflict resolution (GMCR) are generalized for ascertaining the robustness of stability results by varying decision makers' preference ranking.The ordinal preferences in GMCR are advantageous to carry out sensitivity analyses with respect to systematically identifying the influence of preference alterations upon the four basic stabilities consisting of Nash stability,general metarationality,symmetric metarationality and sequential stability.The proposed algebraic representation of the four basic stabilities is not only effective and convenient for computer implementation of sensitivity analysis,but also makes it easier to understand the meaning of the four stabilities when compared with the existing matrix representation.Further,these sensitivity analyses results are embedded into the latest version of the decision support system NUAAGMCR,which can be used to study real-world conflicts.To illustrate how these contributions to sensitivity analyses can be applied in practice and provide valuable strategic insights,they are used to investigate the civil war conflict in South Sudan.
基金The authors would like to thank the anonymous referees for carefully reading this paper and having provided meaningful suggestions which helped improve the quality of paper.This paper should be dedicated to Dr.Ye Chen who was a coauthor and passed away in June,2019.This research was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant No.71601096,China Postdoctoral Science Foundation under Grant No.2019M661838,the Fundamental Research Funds for Central Universities(China)under Grant No.NS2020061,and the Natural Science Young Scholar Foundation of Jiangsu,China,under Grant No.BK20160809.
文摘A novel two-level hierarchical graph model is developed to analyze international climate change negotiations with hierarchical structures:the negotiations take place between two nations and between each nation and its provincial governments.The two national government are two decision makers at the top level.Within each nation,the two provincial governments negotiate with the national government at the lower level.The theoretical structure of this novel model,including decision makers,options,moves,and preference relations,are developed.The interrelationship between the stabilities in the two-level hierarchical graph model and the stabilities in local models are investigated by theorems.These theorems can be utilized to calculate complete stabilities in the two-level hierarchical graph model when the stabilities in local graph models are known.The international climate change negotiations as the illustrative example is then investigated in detail.The extra equilibrium,uniquely obtained by this novel methodology,suggests that opposition may still be from one provincial government when the national government does not sign the international climate agreement and implements existing environmental laws.Compared with other approaches,this novel methodology is an effective and flexible tool in analyzing hierarchical conflicts at two levels by providing decision makers with strategic resolutions with broader vision.
基金financial support of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada through an Alexander Graham Bell Scholarship.
文摘New solution concepts for n-decision maker conflicts based on generalized metarationalities for modelling possible human behaviour under conflict are proposed.A classification of these solution concepts,also called stability definitions,is presented both to simplify understanding and to illustrate important differences among different stability regimes.The relationships among solution concepts are explored and new,more specific results are obtained in the comparison among existing stability concepts and the newly proposed ones.An informative example is used to demonstrate the applicability and insights of these solution concepts.
文摘In 1951 Professor Weimin Zheng returned to the People＇s Republic of China from the United Kingdom to assist in building his country into a modern nation. Rather than pursue a doctoral degree at the California Institute of Technology, or Caltech as it is popularly called, Professor Zheng, unselfishly and patriotically, decided that he would devote his many talents to providing a first-class education to Chinese students within a strong university system. In particular,
