Approximation Algorithms and Network Games

Information and computer systems involve the interaction of multiple participants with diverse goals and interests, such as servers, routers, etc., each controlled by different parties. The future of much of the technology we develop, depends on our ability to ensure that participants cooperate despite their diverse goals and interests. In such settings the traditional approach of algorithm design is not appropriate: there is no single entity that has the information or the power to run such an algorithm. While centralized algorithms cannot be used directly in environments with selfish agents, there are very strong ties with certain algorithmic techniques, and some of the central questions in this area of algorithmic game theory.