Edition · Tuesday, 28 April 2026
What happened, the forces beneath it, why it matters — then your turn.
01 · Lesson · why it matters
Why the UAE Left OPEC
The UAE walked away from OPEC voluntarily. That choice reveals the fundamental mechanics of cartels: why producers form pacts, what makes them fragile, and why coordination fails even when cooperation benefits everyone.
6 min
Read the lesson
02 · Lab · your turn
Defection Payoff Crossover
A cartel member defects when the revenue from full production at the resulting lower market price exceeds the revenue from honoring the quota at the cartel's high price.
Rehearse the decision