>Game theory is "the study of mathematical models of conflict and cooperation between intelligent rational decision-makers". Game theory is mainly used in economics, political science, and psychology, as well as logic, computer science and biology. Originally, it addressed zero-sum games, in which one person's gains result in losses for the other participants…
Operations research is a discipline that deals with the application of advanced analytical methods to help make better decisions…
Translation: Spooks and military (and probably RothsKin) use game theory / operations research to develop computer models of what will happen, if we do X, Y will happen. These models become incredibly complex and deep models for human behavior on an international scale. This has been going on since the 1950s but current levels of computing power obviously improve predictive power.
Need I point out the obvious: having a whole lot of accurate data to input into the model will drive better decision making.
Who has data? Who sees 40,000 foot view?