Cognitive complexity in international decision making

Abstract

Complex decision rules involve a thorough search through all information pertaining to alternatives and application of a choice rule that purports to provide an optimal solution to the problem. The moderately complex set of procedures is designated as vigilant problem solving. This chapter compares the procedural strategy with a number of other strategies, some much simpler and others much more complicated. Simple decision rules enable the decision maker to by-pass large amounts of information otherwise involved in a crucial decision. A contrast has been drawn between scholars who favor complexity in national and international decision making and those who emphasize the role of simple soluti..