16. Rational Choice

How should the players in Hegemony formulate their policy proposals? How do politicians and voters in real life make decisions? Rational Choice Theory argues that political agents (individuals, parties, interest groups) are fully aware of their own desires and needs, and that they will make conscious decisions to create policies and strike deals which will best address those needs. In the world of Hegemony players are aware of economic and political conditions in the state, and use that information to inform their proposals and their political alliances. But rational choice does not explain all political behavior.

Liberal democracies struggle with political fatigue and information overload. Voters have access to enormous amounts of economic, financial, and political information, but the very presence of so much information can make voters feel confused, alienated, and reluctant to engage in politics. In Hegemony you must manage a constant flow of information while trying to navigate a complex political environment. Sometimes classes, parties, and individuals are influenced by factors other than economics and political ideologies, and sometimes voters and politicians can act against their own interests.