Moloch is a metaphor describing systems where individual rational decisions lead to collectively bad outcomes. This series explores how Moloch manifests, why it’s so hard to break free, and what strategies might help us escape these traps.
"Moloch whose love is endless oil and stone! Moloch whose soul is electricity and banks!"
– Allen Ginsberg
Understanding Moloch matters because it explains why many systems—be they economic, political, or cultural—tend toward outcomes that no one individually desires. Negative-sum games are created by and create perverse incentives, they erode trust and cooperation. Recognizing these patterns is the first step in seeking solutions that restore balance and foster long-term well-being. We start by asking...
Moloch is a force that emerges when participants find themselves trapped, unable to towards mutually beneficial solutions. These situations are often called coordination problems, which we explore in...
