15. The Evolution of Conflict over the Distribution of Gains from Cooperation

This chapter concerns the evolutionary dynamics of conflict, focusing on how conflicts over the division of gains from cooperation shape social institutions and contribute to economic inequality. It explores whether economic inequality is an "evolutionary universal" by examining the conditions under which a population will experience substantial levels of wealth inequality. The chapter draws inspiration from biological models, particularly the Hawk-Dove-Bourgeois game, to illustrate the costly nature of conflict and how recognition of ownership may reduce it.

Through various game scenarios, the models in this chapter explore how different strategies interact and evolve, revealing the role of conventions in establishing stable distributional outcomes. It also examines concepts like conformist learning in conflict settings and explores how factors such as population segmentation can influence the equilibrium distribution of power and wealth.