Beggar-thy-neighbor
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30
CORE DEFINITION
Solving one's own economic problems by adopting policies that benefit oneself but harm neighbors (such as currency devaluation or trade protection). This often leads to retaliatory responses, and ultimately everyone becomes poorer.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
Short-sighted zero-sum thinking. In departmental collaboration, if Department A achieves its KPIs by shifting difficulties to Department B, that is 'beggar-thy-neighbor.' Managers must strictly prohibit such behavior because it triggers internal arms races and friction.
Anchor fast decisions
Shifting one's own problems (costs, risks) to external parties (other countries/departments) for short-term gain, leading to retaliation and overall harm due to zero-sum short-sightedness; requires internalizing externalities.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/4Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beggar_thy_neighbourverified
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