Such is the complexity of politics that a simple metaphor cannot be applied to make all conflicts understandable, but the Prisoner's Dilemma helps explain the nature of some cases. Although not a simple application of the metaphor, certain aspects can be used to offer an explanation of the tactics used by both sides. The Prisoner's Dilemma refers to the zero-sum game involving cooperation and non-cooperation in order to achieve the best possible outcomes for one's interests. A zero-sum game as defined by the Oxford Dictionary is “a game or situation in which whatever is won by one party is lost by the other.” Although the Prisoner's Dilemma provides a metaphor through its exact application to explain conflicts through examples such as international treaties, it also explains some of the complexities of politics. One of these complexities that can be understood is the nature of cooperation, although some may complain about the government's ability to not cooperate, one can understand that such actions actually risk harming their own country by through betrayal. Thus, distrust of other countries can then be seen as a lack of distrust that breeds instability. Using this metaphor to understand politics is silicified by its ability to also explain intergovernmental politics, such as coalition building and how the Prisoner's Dilemma can be used to create greater political power. Overall, the Prisoner's Dilemma is a valuable tool for understanding politics, not only through its exact application as a model, but also through its complexities, which are reflected in modern politics. Merrill Flood and Melvin Dresher discussed the Prisoner's Dilemma in 1950 in the form of Albert Tucker. the title as part of the Rand Corporatio...... middle of paper ......ion Under Anarchy. Flight. 1. Princeton, USA: PrincetonUniversity Press, 1987. Chapter 1, page 15Robert O. Keohane (1986). Reciprocity in international relations. International Organization, 40, pp 1-27Stephen M. Walt, The case for finite containment: analysis of American grand strategy, International Security, Vol. 14, no. 1 (summer 1989), pp. 5-49Stevenson, Angus. “Zero sum: definition of zero sum.” Oxford Dictionaries. Last edited March 7, 2008. Accessed April 28, 2014. http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/zero-sum.Taylor H. Cox, Sharon A. Lobel, and Poppy Lauretta McLeodEffects of Cultural Differences of Ethnic Groups on cooperative and competitive behavior Group taskACAD MANAGE J December 1, 1991 34:4 827-847Walter, LaFeber. America, Russia and the Cold War, 1945-1996. 8th ed. Flight. 8th. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1997. chapter 1