Hedging Bets
This chapter examines the strategic advantages of the fundamental attribution error (FAE). It talks about people that tend to attribute the behavior of other actors to intentional action but behavior of their own as dictated by circumstances or “situational constraints.” It also points out how situational constraints are though to be an important reason why nations fail to cooperate, descend into arms races, escalate conflicts, and ultimately end up at war. The chapter explains the perception of FAE as a threatening behavior that is intentional, such as the buildup of armies and armaments by European states prior to 1914 that was widely considered a menace to security. It explores the adaptive features, such as its aid in the detection of threats, preparations for war, and the formation of alliances.