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4.5 Oligopoly and Game Theory

Part of Imperfect Competition in AP® Microeconomics. Read the opening section, then create a free account for the full interactive lesson, practice, and progress tracking.

Oligopoly and Game Theory

Oligopoly is a market structure characterized by a small number of large firms that dominate an industry. Unlike monopolistic competition, where many firms compete with differentiated products, oligopolies are defined by high barriers to entry and significant interdependence among firms. This interdependence means that the actions of one firm directly impact the decisions and outcomes of others, leading to strategic behavior that can be analyzed using game theory.

Understanding oligopoly and game theory provides insight into how firms in highly concentrated markets compete, cooperate, and influence market outcomes. These concepts are especially relevant in industries such as telecommunications, automotive manufacturing, and airlines, where a few key players dominate the landscape.

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