Several previous studies suggest that a model of comparative reciprocity, which postulates that actors change their behaviors based on a comparison of the recent behaviors of the two sides, is more useful than a model of simple reciprocity for understanding interactions between rivals. This study examines U.S. – Soviet interactions during the Cold War. By indicating that comparative reciprocity often operates both with respect to comparatively cooperative and comparatively conflictive actions by another, the study provides further evidence of the potential usefulness of the comparative model. At the same time, these results suggest some of the conditions under which comparative reciprocity is most likely to occur: when the actor (perhaps one defending the status quo) wishes to stabilize the relationship, when the actor recently has deviated from his usual (mean) behavior, and when actions consistent with comparative reciprocity are contrary to the actor’s tendency to move back to his usual behavior.
