Bargaining Theory with Applications

The first unified and systematic treatment of the modern theory of bargaining, presented together with many examples of how that theory is applied in a variety of bargaining situations. Abhinay Muthoo provides a masterful synthesis of the fundamental results and insights obtained from the wide-ranging and diverse (game theoretic) bargaining theory literature. Furthermore, he develops new analyses and results, especially on the relative impacts of two or more forces on the bargaining outcome. Many topics - such as inside options, commitment tactics and repeated bargaining situations - receive their most extensive treatment to date. In the concluding chapter, he offers pointers towards future research. Bargaining Theory with Applications is a textbook for graduate students in economic theory and other social sciences and a research resource for scholars interested in bargaining situations.

Table of Contents:
Preface; 1. Preliminaries; 2. The Nash bargaining solution; 3. The Rubinstein model; 4. Risk of breakdown; 5. Outside options; 6. Inside options; 7. Procedures; 8. Commitment tactics; 9. Asymmetric information; 10. Repeated bargaining situations; 11. Envoi; References.

Review :
'Professor Muthoo's book covers an enormous literature on the 'alternating offers' model of bargaining that has developed since the publication of Rubinstein's classic paper. The strengths of the book are its clear and rigorous style, the thoroughness of its analysis, and the wealth of illuminating and useful applications of the theory to practical economic problems, which are developed throughout the text. This book could be used as a text for a one-semester graduate course on bargaining theory or game theory; it is also a book that any economic theorist should want to have as a reference.' Douglas Gale, New York University 'Muthoo has done a splendid job of synthesizing the extensive recent literature on bargaining theory. The book is lucid and accessible and contains a wealth of interesting applications. It will be a great resource for advanced undergraduate and graduate students.' Oliver Hart, Harvard University ' ... Abhinay Muthoo's book provides an invaluable resource. It will be useful both to game theorists seeking a synthesis of bargaining theory and to economists seeking to apply it to labour, trade, business or other kinds of negotiations.' John McMillan, University of California, San Diego ' ... Muthoo impressively demonstrates how bargaining theory can be applied to many important economic problems ... Muthoo's book is an excellent starting point for economists who want to contribute to this research ... students as well as researchers will benefit from reading this book.' Public Choice