Rational-choice Models of Collective Action: A Generalization and Critical Assessment

A systematic study of collective action informed by game theory must deal with the problem of multiple equilibria. Equilibrium is the polar star of game theory: the whole purpose of a game-theoretic model is to arrive at an equilibrium that can serve as its testable prediction. Yet, when a game has multiple equilibria, many possible outcomes are compatible with individual strategic rationality and the theory does not lead to a unique prediction. Multiple equilibria are ubiquitous in collective action theory. This may seem an exaggeration given that a large and prominent share of models of collective action, those based on the public goods approach introduced by Olson (1965), have indeed only one equilibrium and, hence, a unique and deterministic prediction. Although models involving multiple equilibria have been a lasting and influential presence since the development of focal point arguments and tipping games by