01 · Knowledge Atlas
Switch to graph viewAn encyclopedia of social systems
Theories, political philosophies, economic models, institution types and forms of self-government — each idea traced through theory, real examples, critique and results.
All entries · A–Z
- Logic of collective actionTheoryMancur Olson's 1965 theory that rational individuals in large groups will not act for their common interest without coercion or selective incentives, because each can free-ride. It explains why small, concentrated interests out-organise large, diffuse ones; Ostrom's work showed when communities overcome it.
- Selectorate theoryTheoryBueno de Mesquita, Smith, Siverson and Morrow's theory that leaders' policies depend on the size of the winning coalition they need relative to the selectorate. Small coalitions favour private rewards and corruption; large ones favour public goods. Its measures and findings are contested.