Games Real Actors Play provides a persuasive argument for the use of basic concepts of game theory in understanding public policy conflicts. With the nonspecialist in mind, the author presents a coherent actor-centered model of institutional rational choice that integrates a wide variety of theoretical contributions, such as game theory, negotiation theory, transaction cost economics, international relations, and democratic theory.

Games Real Actors Play offers a framework for theoretically disciplined explanations in small-numbers case studies and for linking positive theory to the normative issues that necessarily arise in empirical policy research.

The usefulness of the concepts introduced is illustrated by many examples from comparative studies in Europe and the United States, including Scharpf's own game theoretical explanation of the differing reactions of Austria, Great Britain, Sweden, and West Germany to the economic stagflation of the 1970s.