DP4245 | Easy Targets and the Timing of Conflict

Publication Date

23/02/2004

JEL Code(s)

  • B31, D74, H77

Keyword(s)

  • Timing of conflict, war, Easy targets

Programme Area(s)

  • Public Economics

Abstract

Contestants have to choose whether to initiate a contest or war, or whether to remain peaceful for another period. We find that agents wait and initiate the contest once their rival is sufficiently weak to be an easy target.