Behavioral Ecology
Coalition
A temporary alliance between individuals who cooperate to achieve goals they couldn't accomplish alone. Coalitions form, shift, and dissolve based on changing interests and power dynamics.
Biological Context
Chimpanzee males form coalitions to challenge dominant individuals. Female baboons ally against aggressive males. Coalition formation is a key component of social intelligence and Machiavellian behavior. Success often depends on choosing the right allies and knowing when to defect.
Business Application
Business coalitions: joint ventures, industry associations, and political alliances. Coalition dynamics explain why partnerships form, how they evolve, and why they eventually dissolve when interests diverge.