This study employs Cooperative, Behavioral, and Experimental game theory to examine how forest rights are negotiated among tribal communities, government agencies, and civil society organizations in the western Himalayas. It explores how claims over access, governance, and benefit-sharing regarding forest resources are asserted, contested, and mediated in a complex socio-political environment.

Cooperative game theory is used to model alliance-building and bargaining dynamics, shedding light on how stakeholders form coalitions and negotiate distributive outcomes. Behavioral game theory provides insight into how cognitive biases, cultural values, and perceptions of legitimacy influence real-world decision-making. Experimental game theory is applied to simulate institutional scenarios, testing how variations in governance structures and policy design shape patterns of cooperation or conflict.

This research adopts a mixed-methods approach. Qualitative data from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions captures stakeholder motivations, strategic reasoning, and the cultural framing of forest rights. Quantitative data from structured surveys and field-based experiments enables the modeling of negotiation outcomes and the empirical testing of policy interventions.

The findings underscore the importance of integrating traditional knowledge systems with modern development policies. This study emphasizes the need for sustainable and inclusive strategies that protect both the environment and local livelihoods. By offering a nuanced understanding of how strategic interactions shape the outcomes of forest rights debates, this research provides a framework that can be adapted to similar environmental and developmental challenges in other regions.