Overview

Every system is linked with its environment by circular processes which establish a feedback link between the evolution of both sides. The contours of this paradigm provide a scientific foundation of a new world-view which emphasizes process over structure, non-equilibrium over equilibrium, evolution over permanence, and individual creativity over collective stabilizations. Erich Jantsch, Philosopher (1929-1980)

This chapter contains a semi-technical primer on nonlinear dynamics, deterministic chaos and complex adaptive systems theory. One must achieve at least a rudimentary understanding of these disciplines their general features, mathematical vocabulary, and methodology in order to fully appreciate the material that is presented in later chapters.

Apart from providing a succinct, self-contained introduction to these subjects which are, of course, important research areas on their own, and about which entire books continue to be written (references are provided throughout our discussion) chapter 2 introduces the theoretical framework and mathematical background necessary to understand and discuss nonlinear dynamics and complex systems theory as they apply specifically to land warfare issues, and as critical components of the conceptual scaffolding on which the multiagent-based model of combat, EINSTein which is discussed in detail in later chapters (see chapters 5-7) is directly based.

While the discussion in this chapter is necessarily brief and far-from-complete, it is the author s sincere wish that this chapter also provides a broader value to the reader, and that it is viewed as a general sourcebook of information; one that can be consulted from time to time either for background material and/or for definitions of technical...