Peace as Prerequisite rather than Consequence of Cooperation

Abstract

We take issue with Glowacki’s assumption that intergroup relations are characterized by positive-sum interactions and suggest to include negative-sum interactions, and between-group independence. As such, peace may be better defined as the absence of negative-sum interactions. Rather than being a consequence of cooperation, peace emerges as a necessary but not sufficient prerequisite for positive (in) direct reciprocity between groups that, in turn, is key to social identities and cultural complexity.