A mediator can create focal points through dramatic suggestion

Evidence

A mediator, whether imposed on the game by its original rules or adopted by the players to facilitate an efficient outcome, is probably best viewed as an element in the communication arrangements or as a third player with a payoff structure of his own who is given an influential role through his control over communication. But a mediator can do more than simply constrain communications—putting limits on the order of offers, counter-offers, and so forth—since he can invent contextual material of his own and make potent suggestions. That is, he can influence the other player’s expectations on his own initiative, in a manner that both parties cannot help mutually recognizing. When there is no apparent focal point for agreement, he can create one by his power to make a dramatic suggestion. — Thomas C. Schelling, The Strategy of Conflict, 334

Categorization

• XREF: The Don as a ‘mediator’ who creates expectations on his own initiative — this is precisely how Corleone manufactures belief in his word across the Bonasera scene. — connects to: Focal points require prominence and uniqueness to coordinate action — Thomas C. Schelling, The Strategy of Conflict, 148; A biased mediator can be accepted when clue-rich situations block focal points — Thomas C. Schelling, The Strategy of Conflict, 236; Unstable focal points serve as signals rather than as outcomes — Thomas C. Schelling, The Strategy of Conflict, 268 (+3 more)

Related

• A biased mediator can be accepted when clue-rich situations block focal points (similarity 0.86)
• Unstable focal points serve as signals rather than as outcomes (similarity 0.82)
• Suggestive background stories can shift which equilibria players settle on (similarity 0.79)

Broader Connections

• Tacit coordination works through mutually recognized focal points #expands (0.82) — Thomas C. Schelling, The Strategy of Conflict, 134
• Coordination requires a common source of suggestion #expands (0.78) — Thomas C. Schelling, The Strategy of Conflict, 334
• Suggestive background stories can shift which equilibria players settle on #corroborates (0.75) — Thomas C. Schelling, The Strategy of Conflict, 380