Zero Sum Game in Todays International Politics

Sir with reference to your latest point "In this scenario, not always will all countries win."- is that what is being referred to as the ZERO SUM GAME?

No zero sum game cannot be generalized, depends on situation to situation. Almost every time, somebody gains and somebody loses the degree only differs. When you confront an IR problem, apply those points mentioned above.

In that case- please enlighten us as to what is referred to as the zero sum game in present times?

Zero sum game is when a situation provides solutions in which all the parties stand to lose substantially. Rarely do we have that situation in IR.

Theory is far from practice.

Especially in the current scenario when economic diplomacy gains prominence, positive sum game is the norm rather than the zero sum game.. If trade relations are established between India n pak, both stand to benefit..

In the same context- the loss faced by European nations forcing sanctions on Russia- is that as near to zero sum game as economic diplomacy can get?

In the age of global village.. IR with countries is NON-ZERO SUM- game?

In a way, yes.

Isn't that contrary to utilitarian theory? Maximum benefit to all (parties)? or self-interest theory over-rides Utilitarianism?

in the same context- the loss faced by European nations forcing sanctions on Russia- is that as near to zero sum game as economic diplomacy can get?

Russia Europe problem is purely economic

Problem comes when politics is combined with economics. Which almost always happens. Powerful nations try to impose their views and morals on others.

When the opposite side cannot stand up to them, issues occur

Earlier, both US and the USSR used to encourage terrorist groups against each other.. For eg, Lebanese Hezbollah by USSR against USA n mujahedeen by USA against USSR.. Now, even terrorism has become globalized thus posing a common threat.. So intelligence sharing n cooperation has become all the more important, even among enemy countries like USA n Russia. This is one example of positive sum game..

corrrect. That is why, I said, there is rarely zero sum game in IR.

EU sanctions on Russia is not a zero sum.., there are rarely zero sum situations in IR.. For example, India defeating pak in a war n occupying its territory is zero sum. India '+1'... Pak '-1'..

But in case of EU sanctions, both EU n Russia get a '-1' .. It is negative for both.. So it's not zero sum

Right sir, that is why- Diplomacy steps in as an alternative to war- to ensure that net result is NOT a zero sum game.

Yes.. So better coop is always positive to both sides, esp in the long run