This seminar focuses on the theory of non-cooperative bargaining and its applications in the study of political institutions. Our maintained assumption is that agents are optimizers of some sophistication and behave in order to have their preferences prevail, possibly at the cost of efficiency. The theory of multi-agent bargaining will be covered in depth. Areas of application include parliamentary government formation; endogenous legislative organization (rules of procedure, seniority, committees); debate and information; lobbying; political parties; courts; bureaucracy; formation and breakup of nation-state; federalism; etc. Emphasis on particular topics may vary with the configuration of class interests. Research directions will be discussed.
