Work

Coalitionary Conflict as Ultimate Cause or By-Product of Cooperation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Throughout nature, animals cooperate within coalitions and groups to inflict damage on other groups. Prominent theory in the behavioural and biological sciences consider this reflective of the effects intergroup conflict exerted on the evolution of cooperation. Here I address a missing link in this line of argument – how can intergroup conflict emerge ex nihilo . Experiments considering participation in coalitionary aggression on non-threatening out-groups disconfirm evolved out-group bias as an explanation. More likely is that coalitionary aggression rests on parochial solidarity – to win ‘spoils of war’ for oneself and one’s in-group. Cooperation did not evolve because of conflict. Conflict is a by-product of evolved capacity for cooperation and can be avoided.

Source: Small Group Research

DOI: 10.1177/10464964251387353

Author: Carsten K. W. De Dreu

Institution: University of Groningen

Language: English

Topic: Evolutionary Game Theory and Cooperation

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,650

Funder: Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung