On long-term cooperation and hostility in bilateral relations of growth oriented parties

Using a linear systems approach, the effects of long-term cooperation and hostility in the relationship of two growth-oriented parties (e.g., societies, nations and companies) are addressed. The relationship between two parties is called cooperative, if both parties use part of their achievements to favor the other one. The final value theorem is the main system theoretic tool to draw conclusions on the success/failure of a certain interaction pattern. The concept of "need for achievement" developed in the behavioral sciences is used to interpret a necessary and sufficient condition for successful cooperation.