Thomas Schelling was an American economist born in 1921 who published The Strategy of Conflict in 1960, detailing his ideas on applying game theory to international relations and policymaking. He is recognized for applying game theory concepts like uncertainty and credibility to analyze strategic situations during the Cold War. Schelling won the 2005 Nobel Prize in Economics for his work developing game theory and showing how competitive situations can be modeled mathematically to find strategies that maximize benefits.

1. Thomas Schelling
Alex Cherney
Period 5

2. Biography
• Born April 14, 1921 in Oakland
California
• Published The Strategy of Conflict in
1960 detailing his major ideas regarding
game theory in international policy
• Won the Nobel Prize in 2005 economics
for his work in game theory

3. Game Theory
• A mathematical method of decision
making in competitive situations by
analyzing the benefits and risks of every
possible outcome and acting in a
manner that maximizes utility.
• Schelling is recognized for applying
game theory to the Cold War

4. • “Imagine a poker table where each player is the head
of state of a powerful nation and the cards you are
dealing them are elaborate military strategies or
aggressive plans for economic development.”-Eric
Bidault
• This is how Schelling viewed all international
situations.

5. Cold War
• “uncertain retaliation is more credible
and more efficient than certain
retaliation.”
• Thomas Schelling said this in regard to
the two super powers in the Cold War.

6. Works Cited
Pictures
• http://alaskakid.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/thomas_schelling.jpg
• http://www.ccs.neu.edu/home/dkanou/agt/agt.jpg
• http://coolrain44.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/dogs-playing-poker.jpg
Info
Bidault, Eric. “War Games.” IGWB Jan. 2007: 23-23. Print
Holden, Constance. Science. Washington: Oct 14, 2005. Vol. 310, Iss 5746; pg. 212