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Experimental evidence suggests intergroup relations are, by default, neutral rather than aggressive

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 January 2024

Hirotaka Imada Open the ORCID record for Hirotaka Imada [Opens in a new window]  and
Nobuhiro Mifune Open the ORCID record for Nobuhiro Mifune [Opens in a new window]
Hirotaka Imada
Affiliation:
School of Economics & Management, Kochi University of Technology, Kochi City, Kochi, Japan himada2022@gmail.com n.mifune@gmail.com; https://www.kochi-tech.ac.jp/profile/en/mifune-nobuhiro.html
Nobuhiro Mifune*
Affiliation:
School of Economics & Management, Kochi University of Technology, Kochi City, Kochi, Japan himada2022@gmail.com n.mifune@gmail.com; https://www.kochi-tech.ac.jp/profile/en/mifune-nobuhiro.html
*
*Corresponding author.
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Abstract

The target article offers a game-theoretical analysis of primitive intergroup aggression (i.e., raiding) and discusses difficulties in achieving peace. We argue the analysis does not capture the actual strategy space, missing out “do-nothing.” Experimental evidence robustly shows people prefer doing nothing against out-group members over cooperating with/attacking them. Thus, the target article overestimates the likelihood of intergroup aggression.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 47 , 2024 , e13
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Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press

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