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International Relations in the Context of Game Theory

Al-Jazeera, a news agency based in the Qatar recently published an article with the headline, “Russia Hedges Bets in Syria With Increased Military Role.” Interestingly, Qatar votes in the United Nations align significantly with the United States creating the assumption that the enemy (Russia) of a friend (USA) is my enemy, in a stable network. Thus, there may be an ulterior motive for writing an article that analyses Russia’s newfound confidence in Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. However, the aspect of this article that strikes the most significance in relation to Networks is in its description of Moscow’s interpretation of consequences of its actions. Previously, Russia has supported Syria in the United Nations’ Security Council with its influential veto vote, but it has never pursued military support as an alternative.

Now, as Al-Jazeera notes, an analysis of researchers at the Institute for National Security Studies states, “It seems that Russia is determined to protect its interests in Syria and is preparing for all possible scenarios in that arena.” It seems to have clearly hedged its bets in favor of military intervention even as its opposition, the United States, is arming rebel forces against the despotic president. In assessing its opportunities in creating influence in the Middle-East, Russia has in a sense applied game theory in analyzing the outcome in case of possible responses from the United States. The two sides of Russia’s matrix are defined as military inaction and action, whereas the United States, already involved in the conflict, can refuse to react or escalate the conflict. It appears that Russia has reached a conclusion that whatever the response of the United States, its best solution (its Nast equilibrium) lies in increasing military pressure on the rebels.

 

Works Cited

 

Kutsch, Tom. “Russia Hedges Bets in Syria with Increased Military Role.” Al-Jazeera   America. Al-Jazeera, 11 Sept. 2015. Web.             <http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2015/9/11/russia-hedges-bets-in-   syria-with-military-role.html>.

 

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