public goods dilemma

A public goods dilemma occurs when individuals benefit from a resource that is shared by everyone, but each person's contribution to maintaining or providing that resource is voluntary. Because no one can be excluded from using the good, some may choose not to contribute, expecting others to do so. This can lead to under-provision or depletion of the resource, as everyone tries to enjoy it without bearing the cost. Common examples include clean air, public parks, or national defense. The dilemma highlights the challenge in ensuring collective action for shared benefits when individual incentives favor free-riding.