REACTION SYSTEMS AND INSTABILITY IN INTERPERSONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS.
Abstract
The paper concerns the effect of one party's behavior on another's. Change in one party's level of output on a given dimension often produces reciprocal change in the other party's level of output on the same or another dimension. Reciprocal changes are sequenced in various ways: e.g., in the form of vicious or benevolent circles, which move more or less rapidly, and sometimes slow down and stop or even reverse direction. A geometrical formulation may be useful for interpreting these various sequences. A variety of reaction functions can be plotted, which show the level of output on any dimension emitted by one party in response to the other party's level of output on the same or another dimension. When both party's reaction functions are presented in the same space, a reaction system emerges. One such system, consisting of two S-shaped curves may be useful for interpreting the concept of 'instability' in the theory of international relations. This system has two equilibrium points, a lower 'peaceful' one and an upper 'conflictful' one. The system also has two points of no return. If the relationship between the parties is at one equilibrium point, and a momentary (temporary) force moves one or both parties over a point of no return for a long enough period, the relationship will move to the other equilibrium point, despite the subsequent abatement of the momentary force. Hence, one interpretation of 'instability' is the closeness of the points of no return to the equilibrium point that is currently occupied.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0658901
Entities
People
- Dean G. Pruitt
Organizations
- University at Buffalo