Self-Organized Characteristics of the International System

TL;DR

This paper explores the self-organized and complex dynamics of the international system, particularly European Great Power wars from 1480-1945, revealing SOC characteristics and challenging traditional IR theories.

Contribution

It introduces a complexity science perspective to analyze international system dynamics, highlighting self-organized criticality and punctuated equilibrium in historical European conflicts.

Findings

European Great Power wars exhibited SOC characteristics

The international system showed punctuated equilibrium dynamics

Population growth influenced system driving forces

Abstract

Various self-organized characteristics of the international system can be identified with the help of a complexity science perspective. The perspective discussed in this article is based on various complexity science concepts and theories, and concepts related to ecology and ecosystems. It can be argued that the Great Power war dynamics of the international system in Europe during the period 1480-1945, showed self-organized critical (SOC) characteristics, resulting in a punctuated equilibrium dynamic. It seems that the SOC-characteristics of the international system and the punctuated equilibrium dynamic were - in combination with chaotic war dynamics - functional in a process of social expansion in Europe. According to a model presented in this article, population growth was a component of the driving force of the international system during this time frame. The findings of this exploratory research project contradict with generally held opinions in International Relations theory.