Multipolar trap

Multipolar trap, also known as a Moloch Trap, ^[1] is a concept originating from game theory that describes a situation where multiple individuals or groups, acting in their own self-interest, collectively create an undesirable or even destructive outcome for everyone involved. ^{[2] [3]} This occurs even when individuals recognize that a different approach, one based on cooperation, would lead to better overall results.

Key Characteristics

Multipolar traps share these characteristics: ^[3]

• Self-interest leads to collective harm: Each actor pursues their individual benefit, but the combined effect of these actions is detrimental to the group as a whole.
• Fear of being outcompeted: Participants are trapped in the destructive pattern, often due to the fear of suffering a relative loss or being at a disadvantage if they don't engage in the harmful behavior.
• Race to the bottom: This dynamic often leads to a "race to the bottom," where participants continuously escalate their detrimental actions, further degrading the overall system.

Examples

Here are several examples of multipolar traps. ^[4]

• Overfishing: Each person fishing tries to catch as many fish as possible to maximize individual profit, but this can lead to the depletion of the fish population and ruin the fishing grounds for everyone.
• Arms Race: During the Cold War, the US and the Soviet Union stockpiled nuclear weapons, driven by the fear of the other's capabilities.
• Corporate Tax: Countries have an incentive to lower corporate tax rates to attract corporations. However, as one country lowers taxes, other countries have an incentive to offer even lower rates, which reduces overall tax revenue. To compensate for this shortfall, the government often increases personal taxes or reduces government services. ^[5]
• Climate Change: Each country pursues economic development, often relying on carbon-intensive industries, leading to rising global temperatures and environmental destruction.
• The Tragedy of the Commons: If many people enjoy unfettered access to a finite, valuable resource, such as a pasture, they will tend to overuse it and may end up destroying its value altogether.
• Economic Inequality: Competition among various economic actors can contribute to widening wealth disparities.

Overcoming Multipolar Traps

Addressing multipolar traps requires a shift towards collective action, collaboration, and long-term thinking. Strategies include: ^{[2] [6]}

• Fostering Cooperation: Encouraging collaborative efforts among the parties involved.
• Developing and Enforcing Regulations: Implementing rules that guide behavior towards collective interests and prevent exploitation.
• Promoting Long-Term Thinking: Encouraging consideration of the long-term impact of actions.
• Increasing Transparency: Open communication and transparency can help build trust and mitigate fear, facilitating cooperation.

In essence, the multipolar trap highlights the challenging relationship between individual rationality and collective well-being, emphasizing the need for systemic change and a collaborative mindset to avoid potentially disastrous outcomes.

References

1. It is likely the term was coined and introduced by Scott Alexander in his blog post Meditations On Moloch, July 30, 2014. Also see the article An iron curtain has descended upon psychopharmacology, August 16, 2014 by Scott Alexander. In the comments he states: “I just made up the term...”
2. "Multipolar Traps or Moloch Traps". Conversational Leadership. 2 June 2023. Retrieved 2025-07-06.
3. Wollmann, Peter; Pemler, Doris; Ndrevataj, Mersida, eds. (2025). The Sustainable Organization: How Organizations Address the 17 UN SDGs Using the 3-P-Model. Future of Business and Finance. Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland. ISBN   978-3-031-89549-4. Page 174
4. "Meditations On Moloch". www.slatestarcodexabridged.com. Retrieved 2025-07-06.
5. Bunzl, John; Duffell (May 15, 2018). The SIMPOL Solution: A New Way to Think about Solving the World's Biggest Problems. Prometheus. p. 253. ISBN   978-1633883932. Page 34.
6. "Understanding and Escaping Multi-Polar Traps in the Age of Technology". www.milesrote.com. Retrieved 2025-07-06.