The Narratives – Mohamed Miah

By Mohamed Miah

In the modern discourse on human behaviour, game theory is often celebrated for its insights into cooperation, trust, and the strategic interactions that define our lives. Concepts like the “Tit-for-Tat” strategy, which emphasises the benefits of being nice and forgiving, suggest that cooperation can lead to mutual benefit over time. But when we look at the history of colonialism, it becomes painfully clear that these theories, while intellectually compelling, often crumble in the face of raw power.

Colonialism, a brutal chapter in human history, reveals the stark limitations of niceness and cooperation when confronted with unbridled aggression and exploitation. The indigenous peoples of Africa, the Americas, India, Australia, and other regions were, in many ways, too nice—too trusting, too willing to cooperate—when they first encountered European colonisers. The tragic outcome of these encounters was not just the loss of land and resources, but the systematic dismantling of entire cultures and ways of life.

The Failure of Game Theory in the Real World

Game theory, when applied to real-world situations like colonialism, assumes a level playing field—a mutual understanding of rules and the possibility of repeated interactions that allow for cooperation to be rewarded and defection to be punished. In reality, the power imbalance between colonisers and the colonised was so vast that these assumptions were irrelevant. The colonisers, driven by a ruthless pursuit of wealth and dominance, saw no reason to engage in fair play. Their goal was not mutual benefit but total subjugation.

The indigenous populations, on the other hand, approached these foreign invaders with the same principles of fairness and trust that governed their own societies. In many cases, they offered cooperation, hospitality, and even friendship. But these overtures were met with deception, violence, and betrayal—tactics that game theory often overlooks in its more optimistic models.

The Burden of Pessimism and the Need for Realistic Defence

For those who have been let down by early experiences—betrayed by those they trusted, or deceived by those they welcomed—pessimism can easily take root. This pessimism, often mistaken for realism, acts as a societal weight, fostering environments where trust is scarce and self-preservation takes precedence over cooperation.

However, as the history of colonialism shows, this pessimism is not without merit. It reflects a harsh reality: in a world where power often trumps morality, niceness and forgiveness can be exploited by those who see them as weaknesses. This creates a feedback loop where trust is eroded, and individuals or groups become more defensive, less willing to cooperate, and more isolated in their pursuit of survival.

Yet, this does not mean that we should abandon the principles of niceness or cooperation. Rather, it suggests that these principles must be tempered with a realistic understanding of power dynamics. Niceness, in the face of aggression, must be strategic, and cooperation must be offered with caution, ensuring that it does not come at the expense of self-preservation.

Game Theory and the Reality of Islam

In reflecting on these realities, one could argue that game theory actually supports the truth of Islam. According to Islamic teachings, the ultimate “win” is not in this world but in the Hereafter. Those who follow the Sunnah—living their lives according to the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) example—are the real winners, because their success is measured not by worldly gains but by the legacy they leave behind and their spiritual reward after death. This perspective offers a stark contrast to the pessimistic realist’s view, which often dismisses such spiritual victories as intangible or irrelevant. For believers, the ultimate justice and reward lie beyond this life, in a realm where the true value of niceness, forgiveness, and moral integrity is fully realised.

The Spiritual Victory: When Niceness Transcends Power

While the real world often rewards the ruthless, the spiritual realm offers a different kind of victory. Here, success is not measured by wealth or power but by inner peace, moral integrity, and alignment with higher principles. This is where a strong moral or religious code becomes invaluable.

For many, faith provides the framework for winning spiritually, even in a world that seems stacked against the nice and the forgiving. It offers a sense of meaning and purpose that transcends the immediate, often harsh realities of life. By adhering to moral principles, individuals can achieve a victory that is deeper and more lasting than the transient rewards of worldly success.

The Lessons of History and the Path Forward

Colonialism teaches us that in the face of extreme power imbalances, niceness and cooperation alone are not enough. They must be accompanied by strategies for self-defence, resistance, and the protection of one’s values and way of life. This does not mean adopting the ruthless tactics of the colonisers but rather finding a balance between moral integrity and pragmatic self-preservation.

In today’s world, where power dynamics continue to shape global and local interactions, the lessons of colonialism are as relevant as ever. As we strive to create a more just and equitable society, we must recognise the limits of niceness in the face of aggression. At the same time, we should not abandon our moral principles but seek ways to uphold them while protecting ourselves and our communities from exploitation.

Ultimately, the real world may often reward the ruthless, but the true victory lies in maintaining one’s humanity, integrity, and spiritual peace. By learning from history and applying these lessons to our own lives, we can navigate the complexities of power with both wisdom and compassion, achieving a balance that allows us to “win” in the ways that matter most.