Titled “Asymmetric Power, Impatience, and the Climate Commons: A Game-Theoretic Approach to Climate Negotiations,” his study examines how global climate agreements often fall short due to strategic asymmetries between powerful and vulnerable countries. Using a game-theoretic lens, his paper shows how disparities in power and time preferences hinder cooperation, leading to sub-optimal outcomes. It argues that equitable frameworks and polycentric governance are essential to realigning incentives and achieving meaningful climate action.

Abhey credits the Political Science Department’s emphasis on interdisciplinary thinking and empirical rigor for equipping him with the tools to approach complex global issues such as climate negotiations through multiple analytical lenses. His Senior Seminar thesis, which formed the basis for this project, challenged him to synthesize political theory, economics, and environmental policy while also conducting original research.

ISU’s Critique student journal of politics recognized the originality of Abhey’s thesis and will publish it in its spring 2025 issue.

Abhey Guram graduates in 2025 with a double major in Quantitative Economics and Political Science and a minor in Environmental Studies.