Meta Strategic Manipulation

Definition ∞ Meta strategic manipulation involves an actor influencing the rules or structure of a game itself to gain an advantage, rather than merely playing optimally within existing rules. In digital asset protocols, this could mean attempting to alter governance parameters, consensus mechanisms, or incentive structures for personal benefit. It represents a higher-order form of strategic behavior that seeks to modify the underlying conditions of interaction. Such actions aim to reshape the playing field.
Context ∞ News reports sometimes address concerns about meta strategic manipulation in decentralized governance proposals or significant protocol upgrades where large stakeholders might disproportionately influence outcomes. Debates around voter participation, delegated power, and the concentration of influence within DAOs often touch upon this concept. Understanding this type of manipulation is essential for assessing the fairness and long-term resilience of decentralized systems.