In reference to short-term economic fluctuations, the “peak” refers to:
A. a period in which the economy is growing at a rate significantly above normal.
B. the high point of economic activity prior to a downturn.
C. the high point of economic activity prior to a recovery.
D. a particularly strong and protracted expansion.
Mexico and the members of OPEC produce crude oil. Realizing that it would be in their
best interests to form an agreement on production goals, a meeting is arranged and an
informal, verbal agreement is reached. If both Mexico and OPEC abide by the
agreement, then OPEC’s profit will be $200 million and Mexico’s profit will be $100
million. If both Mexico and OPEC cheat on the agreement, then OPEC’s profit will be
$175 million and Mexico’s profit will be $80 million. If only OPEC cheats, then
OPEC’s profit will be $185 million, and Mexico’s profit will be $60 million. If only
Mexico cheats, then Mexico’s profit will be $110 million, and OPEC’s profit will be
$150 million. You may find it helpful to fill in the payoff matrix below.
Suppose Mexico chooses first, and then OPEC, after seeing Mexico’s choice, chooses
second. Before Mexico chooses, OPEC tells Mexico that if Mexico cheats on the
agreement, then OPEC will also cheat, and if Mexico abides by the agreement, then
OPEC will also abide. This is an example of a ______, and the outcome is that ______.
A. commitment problem; neither will cheat
B. credible threat; neither will cheat
C. prisoner’s dilemma; both will cheat
D. non-credible threat; both will chea