"Cooperation is usually analyzed in game theory by means of a non-zero-sum game called the 'Prisoner's Dilemma'" (Anonymous). Basically this game has two players who have two options. They can either choose to "defect" or "cooperate". An example is seen where the police takes two suspects into custody for interrogation. If suspect A chooses to defect i.e. he confesses his involvement in the crime and testifies about the involvement of suspect B, then he has a chance to go free. If suspect B cooperates i.e. he does not testify, whereas suspect A does, then suspect A will go free whereas suspect B will go to jail. However, if both defect then none of them go free and both serve time but for a comparatively lesser amount of time. If both of them remain silent then minor charges would be put against them and they would serve an even lesser time in jail. This in essence is "Prisoner's Dilemma".

             In the study of foreign policy prisoner's dilemma is an interesting factor. Let's assume that the concerned nation A, whose foreign policy has to be formulated, has two different countries to deal with where it is assumed that one nation B and the other nation C are suspects for being anti nation A. To find out for sure who the mastermind is and to gain enough evidence, the two suspect nations can be interrogated separately and promised a reward if they defect against the other. Once one nation defects, that nation can be considered as a friend and rewarded while sanctions and appropriate action can be taken against the other who cooperated. It is important for foreign policy making to apply prisoner's dilemma so that secrets against the nation whose foreign policy is being formulated can be known and steps can be taken to prevent any disaster.

             Recently United States witnessed a terrible incident that should have never occurred. September 11, 2001 brought some immense changes globally. Bin Laden was wanted since quite some time by the United States for the bombing of its embassies and the USS Cole.