Complex systems

Abstract

Complex systems are systems that display unique properties such as emergence and self-organization. Their behavior is inherently unpredictable due to nonlinear relationships between interdependent parts and processes. This makes complex systems different from systems that are just complicated by possessing many parts. A key variable is the complexity of global governance systems, for which there are several notable approaches to operationalization. An agency-oriented approach, on the one hand, seeks to identify when the complexity of a governance system reaches beyond the cognitive capacity of agents operating therein. A structure-oriented approach, on the other hand, seeks to measure complexity as a quality inherent in a governance system. The complex systems approach is generating novel insights on the role of complexity in and for global governance. Paradoxically, however, the enhanced understanding has not and will not necessarily increase our predictive power. A theory of complexity is still far from our reach.