Bribes v. Bombs: A Study in Coasean Warfare

34 Pages Posted: 19 Sep 2007

See all articles by Gideon Parchomovsky

Gideon Parchomovsky

Hebrew University of Jerusalem - Faculty of Law; University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School

Peter Siegelman

University of Connecticut - School of Law

Date Written: September 8, 2007

Abstract

The use of bribes to co-opt an enemy's forces can be a more effective way to wage war than the conventional use of force: Relative to bombs, bribes can save lives and resources, and preserve civic institutions. This essay evaluates the efficacy and normative desirability of selectively substituting bribes for bombs as a means of warfare. We show how inter-country disparities in wealth, differences in military strength, the organization of the bribing and recipient forces, uncertainty about the outcome of the conflict, and communications technology can contribute to the efficacy of bribes. We discuss methods for enforcing bargains struck between opposing forces, a key problem in structuring bribes. We also examine the legal status of bribe agreements, under both international and U.S. law. While the former apparently views bribery as legitimate means of warfare, the latter poses a potentially significant obstacle by refusing on public policy grounds to enforce secret contracts made with foreign agents.

Keywords: contracts, law of war, bargaining, bribery

JEL Classification: K13,K31,H57

Suggested Citation

Parchomovsky, Gideon and Siegelman, Peter, Bribes v. Bombs: A Study in Coasean Warfare (September 8, 2007). U of Penn, Inst for Law & Econ Research Paper No. 07-21, U of Penn Law School, Public Law Research Paper No. 07-37, Bar Ilan Univ. Pub Law Working Paper No. 07-05, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1010360 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1010360

Gideon Parchomovsky (Contact Author)

Hebrew University of Jerusalem - Faculty of Law ( email )

Mount Scopus
Mount Scopus, IL 91905
Israel

University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School ( email )

3501 Sansom Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
United States
215-898-1603 (Phone)

Peter Siegelman

University of Connecticut - School of Law ( email )

65 Elizabeth Street
Hartford, CT 06105
United States
860-570-5238 (Phone)
860-570-5242 (Fax)

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