Shy and retiring Americans

'Overconfident people are more likely to wage war but fare worse in the ensuing battles, a new study suggests. The research on how people approach a computer war game backs up a theory that “positive illusions” may contribute to costly conflicts.'

“It supplies critically needed experimental support for the idea that positive attitude - which is generally a [beneficial] feature of human behaviour - may lead to overconfidence and [damaging] behaviour in the case of war,” comments Peter Turchin of the University of Connecticut, US.'

It's lucky that the most deadly super-power in the world isn't overconfident, isn't it. Mind you, they do have massive numerical and technological superiority on their side to balance the equation just in case they get cocky.

Thanks to New Scientist for that.