The determinants of multilateral bargaining: a comprehensive analysis of Baron and Ferejohn majoritarian bargaining experiments

We analyze the data sets of all majoritarian Baron and Ferejohn (Am Political Sci Rev 83(4):1181–1206, 1989) experiments through 2018. By exploiting variation experimental parameters, we are able to identify how group size, discount factor (cost agreement delay), voting weights, communication affect bargaining outcomes dynamics. The qualitatively in line with stationary subgame perfect equilibrium, i.e., minimum winning coalitions modal; proposers demand larger shares than non-proposers; most agreements reached without delay. Experience between players move closer equilibrium. However, dynamics not stationary. Behavior following a disagreement is history-dependent form retaliation towards failed their supporters, which, if rationally expected, may deter from demanding high shares.