Countries as Agents in a Global-Scale Computational Model

Authored by Harold J Walbert, James L Caton, Julia R Norgaard

Date Published: 2018

DOI: 10.18564/jasss.3717

Sponsors: No sponsors listed

Platforms: NetLogo

Model Documentation: Other Narrative

Model Code URLs: https://github.com/hwalbert/Countries-as-Agents-in-a-Global-Scale-Computational-Model

Abstract

Our agent-based model examines the ramifications of formal defense agreements between countries. Our model builds on previous work and creates an empirically based version of a tribute model in which actors within existing real-world networks demand tribute from one another. If the threatened actor does not pay the tribute, the aggressing actor will engage in a decision to start a war. Tribute and war payments are based on a measure of the country's wealth. We utilize the Correlates of War dataset to provide us with world wide historical defense alliance information. Using these networks as our initial conditions, we run the model forward from four prominent historical years and simulate the interactions that take place as well as the changes in overall wealth. Agents in the model employ a cost benefit analysis in their decision of whether or not to go to war. This model provides results that are in qualitative agreement with historical emergent macro outcomes seen over time.

Tags

Market Agent Based Modeling Policy Choice War Size Trade Conflict resolution Tribute Diplomacy Economic analysis of conflict Steel Wars Iron