The chapter "The Possibility of Cooperation" by Michael Taylor, published in collaboration with Maison des Sciences de l'Homme, Paris, explores the challenges and potential of collective action, particularly in the context of providing public goods. It delves into the Prisoners' Dilemma and related games, discussing alternatives and the concept of supergames. The chapter also examines altruism and superiority in both two-person and N-person games, and the role of the state in fostering cooperation. It concludes with an epilogue that discusses the implications of international anarchy, the decay of community, and the rationality of cooperation. The annex provides a theory of metagames, along with notes, a bibliography, and an index.The chapter "The Possibility of Cooperation" by Michael Taylor, published in collaboration with Maison des Sciences de l'Homme, Paris, explores the challenges and potential of collective action, particularly in the context of providing public goods. It delves into the Prisoners' Dilemma and related games, discussing alternatives and the concept of supergames. The chapter also examines altruism and superiority in both two-person and N-person games, and the role of the state in fostering cooperation. It concludes with an epilogue that discusses the implications of international anarchy, the decay of community, and the rationality of cooperation. The annex provides a theory of metagames, along with notes, a bibliography, and an index.