Asymmetric effects in the evolution of cooperation —A brief survey

¹ College of Big Data Statistics, Guizhou University of Finance and Economics - Guiyang, 550025, PRC
² Shanxi Key Laboratory of Intelligent Optimization Computing and Blockchain Technology - Taiyuan, 030619, PRC
³ School of Information Engineering, Tianjin University of Commerce - Tianjin, 300134, PRC
⁴ College of Finance and Statistics, Hunan University - Changsha, 410082, PRC
⁵ Department of Computer Science, Tianjin Police Institute - Tianjin, 300382, PRC

Received: 25 August 2025
Accepted: 14 October 2025

Abstract

Most studies on the evolution of cooperation are based on the assumption of symmetry. However, symmetry represents only a subset or special case, whereas asymmetry is far more prevalent in reality. This discrepancy makes it difficult for existing research to comprehensively explain the diversity and complexity of cooperative behaviors in the real world. In this regard, some scholars in recent years have been studying the impact of asymmetry on the evolution of cooperation and have achieved a series of important research findings. Here in this short perspective, we overview the recent process of asymmetric effects on the evolution of cooperation. At last, to foster cooperative behavior in the dynamically evolving world, we highlight some key future research.