Modeling the Role of a Coordinator as a Medium of Communication in 2-Player Conflicts

This paper discusses the role of a coordinator in the 2-player conflict where the information on players' preference is incomplete. It is assumed that the coordinator has a priori prospect of feasible alternatives. First, the method of the graph model for conflict resolution (GMCR) is extended to apply to this conflict with incomplete information, and the coordination system for the conflict with incomplete information is proposed. The process operated by the coordinator uses Extended Robustness Analysis that specifies the critical conditions for the stability and Pareto efficiency of an alternative. Finally, the methodology is applied to the conflict between hydropower generation and environmental interests.     

Comment on "Ellsberg's two-color experiment, portfolio inertia and ambiguity"

In the setting of Ellsberg's two-color experiment, Mukerji and Tallon (2003) claim, without relying on particular representations, that ambiguity-averse behavior implies subjective portfolio inertia. In this note, we point out using a counterexample that their axioms are not enough to establish the result. We fill in the gap in their argument using additional axioms and argue that these axioms are of their own interest in that they behaviorally separate two prominent models of ambiguity: the maximin expected utility and smooth ambiguity models.     

Community-based Decision Making in Japan

An overview of participatory community-based decision systems in Japan is presented. In this disaster-prone country, effective community coping capacity has developed, largely to fill community-level needs for disaster preparation, mitigation, and response. Experience with three concepts of disaster planning and management, namely ??Kyojo?? (Neighborhood or Community Self-Reliance), ??Jijo?? (Individual or Household Self-Reliance), and ??Kojo?? (Government Assistance), is recounted and assessed. Then three structures for disaster management, Jiishu-bosai-soshiki (Self-support Disaster Reduction Association), ??Machizukuri?? (citizen-led town-creation), and ??Toshikeikaku?? (urban or city planning), are discussed. Finally, the contributions of the three papers in this special issue are related to Japanese community practices and to the broader perspective of group decision and negotiation.