Daniel Schmachtenberger defines 'rivalrous dynamics' as the competitive interactions within systems where entities pursue their interests at the expense of others, often leading to zero-sum outcomes. These dynamics emerge from resource scarcity, status competition, or conflicting goals, driving behaviors that prioritize short-term gains, exploitation, and adversarial strategies. Schmachtenberger highlights that rivalrous dynamics can undermine collective well-being, fuel systemic instability, and erode trust and cooperation. He emphasizes the need to transcend such frameworks by fostering synergistic, cooperative dynamics that align individual and collective incentives, thereby creating environments where mutual benefit and long-term sustainability are achievable.

See also: arms race, game theory, network dynamics, mutually assured destruction, confirmation bias