5. Complexity and Network Theory                                                 <- Back to categories

Complexity and Democracy Theory: Building a New Cosmopolis for the 21st Century 

Building a new Cosmopolis for 21st Century is an academic paper on complexity and democratic theory, submitted to a Dual International Conference on Ethics, Complexity & Organisations held at London School of Economics and Political Science in September 2003 by Katharine Farrell, of the Institute of Governance, Public Policy and Social Research, Queen’s University of Belfast.

Complexity Theory and the Challenges to 21st Century Democracy  

Complexity Theory and the Challenges to Democracy in the 21st Century is an academic paper presented by Robert Geyer and Samir Rihani to the Political Studies Association - UK 50th Annual Conference in April 2000, London.

Abstract: At the dawn of the 21st century, a fundamental consensus appears to have emerged regarding the success of liberal democracy and economics. Underlying this consensus is the Newtonian (linear) paradigm which assumes that societies and social organisations reach “end states” of near perfection and then cease to evolve. Using a non-linear complexity paradigm we will argue that democracy is a continuously evolving social construct. Further, attempts to freeze its evolution in some “consensual” position (or “third way”) actually undermine democracy’s ability to evolve and grow and are the real threats to 21st century democracy.

Complexity Theory and the New Public Management  

Complexity theory and the new public management, an article by Tim Blackman, appointed Professor of Sociology and Social Policy and Director of the School of Social Sciences at the University of Teesside explores whether complexity theory can inform a more realistic and democratic approach to achieving policy goals than the audit culture of performance management.

Complicated vs Complex 

Complicated vs Complex is a set of notes on a paper on complexity given by David Snowden, Director of the Cynefin Centre for Organisational Complexity, IBM Global Services.

Harnessing Complexity 

In the rapidly changing world of global markets, e-commerce and the internet, the secrets of Complex System evolution provide a basis on which to reflect on the management of our businesses. Insights gained from Complex Systems thinking suggest freedom and creativity count for more than cost reduction and efficiency, as these provide the foundations for learning and change.

Repluralising the Policy Process: Complexity Theory and Democratic Process 

Repluralising the policy process: complexity theory and democratic process focuses on the requirements of democratic policy processes as an activity specific to government. This includes policy relating to information technology.

The theoretical perspective presented in the paper offers 3 extensions of complexity theory to democracy: (1) technology has the potential to repluralise democratic processes, (2) patterns in the use of IT seem to fall into fractal attractors, and (3) values drive this system, both towards democratic and non-democratic patterns.

The paper was presented at the symposium of the Public Administration Theory Network, Sydney in July 1999 by Karin Geiselhart, [then] PhD Candidate, University of Canberra.

Tom Loosemore: 100% Connected Britain  

This document explores the connectivity of Britain through the Internet and broadcasting signals, identifying the different network and broadcast types.

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