Moloch trap

Topic

A Moloch trap (or multipolar trap) is a game-theoretic coordination failure where individually rational, self-interested decisions by multiple actors collectively produce an outcome that is harmful to everyone. Popularized by Scott Alexander's 2014 essay 'Meditations on Moloch', the concept uses the ancient deity Moloch as a metaphor for the systemic forces that coerce competitors to sacrifice long-term values for short-term optimization. This dynamic is commonly observed in arms races, environmental degradation, and competitive market pressures where no single participant can unilaterally opt out without failing.