Mechanism
Global behaviour is generated by local rules, feedback and coupling rather than a command centre.
Enabling conditions
- Agents follow simple local rules
- Interactions reinforce one another
Failure modes
- A central fix targets the wrong level
- Intervention strengthens the pattern
Early signals
- • No owner can reproduce the outcome alone
- • Small rule changes create nonlinear effects
Countermeasures
- • Test local mechanisms
- • Reduce coupling and exposure
Diagnostic questions
- 1.What is controlled directly?
- 2.Which local rule creates the aggregate effect?