Strategic Instincts: The Adaptive Advantages of Cognitive Biases in International Politics by Johnson, Dominic D. P.

Strategic Instincts: The Adaptive Advantages of Cognitive Biases in International Politics

"A very timely book."--Anne-Marie Slaughter, CEO of New AmericaHow cognitive biases can guide good decision making in...
$120.80 AUD
$120.80 AUD
SKU: 9780691137452
Product Type: Books
Please hurry! Only 0 left in stock
Author: Dominic D. P. Johnson
Format: Hardcover
Language: English
Subtotal: $120.80
10 customers are viewing this product
Strategic Instincts: The Adaptive Advantages of Cognitive Biases in International Politics by Johnson, Dominic D. P.

Strategic Instincts: The Adaptive Advantages of Cognitive Biases in International Politics

$120.80

Strategic Instincts: The Adaptive Advantages of Cognitive Biases in International Politics

$120.80
Author: Dominic D. P. Johnson
Format: Hardcover
Language: English

"A very timely book."--Anne-Marie Slaughter, CEO of New America
How cognitive biases can guide good decision making in politics and international relations

A widespread assumption in political science and international relations is that cognitive biases--quirks of the brain we all share as human beings--are detrimental and responsible for policy failures, disasters, and wars. In Strategic Instincts, Dominic Johnson challenges this assumption, explaining that these nonrational behaviors can actually support favorable results in international politics and contribute to political and strategic success. By studying past examples, he considers the ways that cognitive biases act as "strategic instincts," lending a competitive edge in policy decisions, especially under conditions of unpredictability and imperfect information.

Drawing from evolutionary theory and behavioral sciences, Johnson looks at three influential cognitive biases--overconfidence, the fundamental attribution error, and in-group/out-group bias. He then examines the advantageous as well as the detrimental effects of these biases through historical case studies of the American Revolution, the Munich Crisis, and the Pacific campaign in World War II. He acknowledges the dark side of biases--when confidence becomes hubris, when attribution errors become paranoia, and when group bias becomes prejudice. Ultimately, Johnson makes a case for a more nuanced understanding of the causes and consequences of cognitive biases and argues that in the complex world of international relations, strategic instincts can, in the right context, guide better performance.

Strategic Instincts shows how an evolutionary perspective can offer the crucial next step in bringing psychological insights to bear on foundational questions in international politics.

Author: Dominic D. P. Johnson
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Published: 09/08/2020
Pages: 392
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.50lbs
Size: 9.40h x 6.50w x 1.20d
ISBN: 9780691137452

About the Author
Dominic D. P. Johnson is the Alistair Buchan Professor of International Relations at St Antony's College, University of Oxford. He is the author of God Is Watching You and Overconfidence and War and the coauthor of Failing to Win.

Returns Policy

You may return most new, unopened items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. We'll also pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.).

You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).

If you need to return an item, simply login to your account, view the order using the "Complete Orders" link under the My Account menu and click the Return Item(s) button. We'll notify you via e-mail of your refund once we've received and processed the returned item.

Shipping

We can ship to virtually any address in the world. Note that there are restrictions on some products, and some products cannot be shipped to international destinations.

When you place an order, we will estimate shipping and delivery dates for you based on the availability of your items and the shipping options you choose. Depending on the shipping provider you choose, shipping date estimates may appear on the shipping quotes page.

Please also note that the shipping rates for many items we sell are weight-based. The weight of any such item can be found on its detail page. To reflect the policies of the shipping companies we use, all weights will be rounded up to the next full pound.

Related Products

Recently Viewed Products