The Role of Informational Asymmetry in Interfaith Communication During Conflict: A Game Theoretical Approach
The Role of Informational Asymmetry in Interfaith Communication During Conflict: A Game Theoretical Approach

Author(s): Serdar Ş. Güner, Nukhet A. Sandal
Subject(s): Theory of Communication, Peace and Conflict Studies
Published by: Transnational Press London
Keywords: Informational Asymmetry; Interfaith; Communication; Conflict; Game; Theoretical; Approach;
Summary/Abstract: Interfaith communication can be defined as the interactions between religious or political actors belonging to different traditions who communicate with interlocutors on a particular issue, recognizing the importance of the religious dimension in their interactions. Such communication can alter the opinions of the “other” and allow mutual understanding and respect to develop between parties (Laustsen & Waever, 2000). Parties to these sensitive interactions usually find that their decisions depend on the interlocutor’s past, the expectations of the interlocutor’s future behavior, and trust levels. In this article, we investigate the role of uncertainty about others’ sincerity and trustworthiness in interfaith communication, especially in times of political conflict. We draw attention to the tensions between representing a community and reaching out to “the other side.” We offer a game-theoretical model of asymmetric information where players are unequal in terms of the information they have vis-à-vis each other’s preferences over the possible outcomes of their interaction.

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