A multipolar trap, as defined by Daniel Schmachtenberger, is a situation in which multiple rational agents or entities, each acting in their own self-interest or competitive advantage, create a collectively destructive or suboptimal outcome for all involved. Despite recognizing that a cooperative or different strategy would yield better results for the group, the structure of incentives or pressures in the system compels each actor to continue their detrimental behavior out of fear of being outcompeted or suffering a relative loss. These dynamics often lead to a 'race to the bottom,' where participants are locked into a pattern of actions that degrade the overall environment or context, making it increasingly difficult to shift towards more beneficial, collaborative solutions. Notable instances of multipolar traps include arms races, overfishing, and ecological degradation, where short-term gains lead to long-term systemic harm.

See also: arms race, nuclear weapon, mutually assured destruction, catastrophic risk