This chapter offers a brief introduction to Schelling's concept of strategic thought, being influencing or adapting to the behavior that others have adopted or are expected to adopt. A strategic move usually must impact the expectations of another. Historical examples including Xenophon backing his men up to a gulley so they could not retreat are included as are examples from Law and Order: Criminal Intent and Batman The Dark Night. There is some discussion of strategies that will be introduced as the book progresses, including the prisoner's dilemma and models to simplify the understanding...

This chapter offers a brief introduction to Schelling's concept of strategic thought, being influencing or adapting to the behavior that others have adopted or are expected to adopt. A strategic move usually must impact the expectations of another. Historical examples including Xenophon backing his men up to a gulley so they could not retreat are included as are examples from Law and Order: Criminal Intent and Batman The Dark Night. There is some discussion of strategies that will be introduced as the book progresses, including the prisoner's dilemma and models to simplify the understanding of interactive behavior.