Game Theory in The Mandalorian

Mando does the work, then they try to pay him less.

What economic and negotiation lessons can we learn from Star Wars? In this episode, we analyze a pivotal scene from The Mandalorian where Greef Karga renegotiates Mando’s bounty payment—cutting it in half!

Join us as we break down this short but rich scene with Noam Ebner, a professor of negotiations and conflict resolution at Creighton University. We explore key concepts in Game Theory, bargaining strategies, and the economics of trust.

Key takeaways from this video:

1️⃣ The "hold-up problem" in economics and how it plays out in the Star Wars universe.

2️⃣ Repeated game dynamics—why trust and long-term relationships matter.

3️⃣ Insights from the Trust Game: why Mando might still accept the reduced payment.

4️⃣ Market limitations and the role of hierarchy in Mando’s decisions.

5️⃣ A fascinating contrast between Mando’s usual no-negotiation style and his respect for the bounty guild's ritual dynamics.