SMRTR Science & EngineeringJun 16, 2026Nautilus

Does Cooperation Beat Cheating After All?

SMRTR summary

A new Rutgers University study challenges the long-held "prisoner's dilemma" theory, which predicted that cheating always wins over cooperation. By allowing individuals to cooperate with some and cheat with others based on recognition, cooperation emerges naturally — suggesting societies stabilize, then shift dramatically when new dominant groups arise.

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