Global Dependence Stochastic Orders

Two basic ideas, that give rise to global dependence stochastic orders, are introduced and studied. The similarities and differences between the resulting global dependence orders, and the known common positive dependence orders, are discussed. Some desirable properties that global dependence orders may expected to satisfy are listed and checked. Three particular global dependence orders, that come up from the two general ideas, are studied in detail. It is shown, among other things, how these orders can be verified. Finally, some applications in auction theory, in reliability theory, and in economics, are described.