Neuroeconomics and International Studies: A New Understanding of Trust

Nearly all political choices depend on trust—or a lack thereof. In world politics, successful negotiations, arms agreements, and deterrence postures all depend on trust. This paper reviews recent findings in neuroeconomics that have identified the neuroactive hormone oxytocin as a key brain mechanis...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International studies perspectives 2011-05, Vol.12 (2), p.136-152
Main Authors: Zak, Paul J., Kugler, Jacek
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anarchy
Behavioral neuroscience
Cooperation
Decision Making
Deterrence
Economics
Foreign Policy
Foreign relations
Game theory
Hormones
Humans
International politics
International Relations
International Studies
Negotiation
Neuroeconomics
Neurology
Neurosciences
Nuclear deterrence
Politics
Social Scientists
Trust
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Summary:Nearly all political choices depend on trust—or a lack thereof. In world politics, successful negotiations, arms agreements, and deterrence postures all depend on trust. This paper reviews recent findings in neuroeconomics that have identified the neuroactive hormone oxytocin as a key brain mechanism that causes people to trust strangers. This research has also identified the physiologic and behavioral effect of distrust. A neurologically informed formal model of trust is introduced and implications are drawn from it for international studies (IS). We contend that findings in neuroscience and neuroeconomics can be used by social scientists to deepen their understanding of processes such as foreign policy decision making.
ISSN:1528-3577
1528-3585
DOI:10.1111/j.1528-3585.2011.00424.x