The Rational Actor Model (E139)

About this episode

This episode discusses the rational actor model in policy and strategic thinking, questioning its continued relevance in light of observed irrational behaviors by various actors.

Since at least the 1940’s, policy and strategic thinking uses the so-called rational actor model in determining what competitors and partners may do, how to respond to them, and how they may react in return. Even considering variations to that model to explain less than optimal choices by these actors, there appears to be enough irrationality by state and non-state actors to call into question whether continued use of the rational actor model is itself rational. Music: Traditional, The Army Strings, Garryowen (Public Domain) Copland, A. & United States Marine Band. (2000) Fanfare for the Common Man. unpublished, Washington, DC. [Audio] Retrieved from the Library of Congress, (Fair use for educational purposes.)

People in this episode

Host: Chris Mayer

Topics covered

• rational actor model
• strategic thinking
• policy analysis
• state actors
• non-state actors
• irrationality

Keywords

• rational actor model
• policy
• strategic thinking
• irrationality
• state actors
• non-state actors
• competitors
• partners

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Library of Congress

Books & works: Garryowen, Fanfare for the Common Man

More episodes of The Ancient Art of Modern Warfare

• Wars of Choice? (E138) · June 1, 2026 · 10 min
• Cyber-Mercenaries (E136) · May 15, 2026 · 17 min
• Ceasefire? (E136) · May 2, 2026 · 11 min
• What is a War Crime? (E135) · April 18, 2026 · 10 min
• Winning and Losing (E134) · April 13, 2026 · 8 min
• Beyond IHL: The Law of Neutrality · April 8, 2026 · 13 min