Contracting isometries and differentiability of the escape rate

Abstract: Let $G$ be a countable group whose action on a metric space $X$ involves a contracting isometry. This setting naturally encompasses groups acting on Gromov hyperbolic spaces, Teichm\"uller space, Culler-Vogtmann Outer space and CAT(0) spaces. We discuss continuity and differentiability of the escape rate of random walks on $G$. For mapping class groups, relatively hyperbolic groups, CAT(-1) groups and CAT(0) cubical groups, we further discuss analyticity of the escape rate. Finally, assuming that the action of $G$ on $X$ is weakly properly discontinuous (WPD), we discuss continuity of the asymptotic entropy of random walks on $G$.