We can’t talk about WIN-WIN without discussing Moloch first. Moloch represents the destructive dynamic that emerges when individuals or groups, each pursuing their own immediate self-interest, spiral into runaway competition—even though cooperation would yield better overall outcomes. This grim force manifests in arms races, pollution crises, or any scenario where otherwise rational actors are locked into patterns that, paradoxically, damage everyone in the long run. Understanding this “Molochian” trap is crucial if we want to escape cycles of zero-sum thinking and harness genuinely collaborative strategies. In essence, if we don’t address Moloch’s hold on our systems, our attempts to create meaningful, sustainable win-win solutions may remain out of reach. For an in-depth understanding, read Scott Alexander’s Meditations on Moloch.