Update (November 2013): Following really helpful comments from a number of people, I've refined the theory further. Please see the most updated version of the paper at SSRN . Update (6 May 2012): I've updated the framework a little since I first wrote this post. I've refined the focuses on majoritarian vs. consensual systems rather than fairness. Please see the most updated version of the paper at SSRN . From: The Guardian If you've ever wondered why physical fights sometimes break out between legislators, like the one in the above picture from the Ukrainian parliament, you might be interested in a working paper that I just put together. The working paper is called: "Two Sword Lengths: Losers' Consent and Violence in National Legislatures". The title refers to the rumor that in the UK House of Commons the government and opposition benches are two sword lengths apart to prevent actual duels. You can find a PDF version of the paper he...