What is a collective dilemma?

Answer 1

A collective dilemma refers to a situation where a group of individuals faces conflicting interests, leading to challenges in achieving a mutually beneficial outcome. Each member's self-interest may hinder collective action, resulting in suboptimal results for the group as a whole. Common examples include environmental issues, resource management, and public goods provision, where cooperation is essential but difficult to achieve. Resolving these dilemmas often requires coordination, trust, and sometimes external intervention.