Self-Destruction of Complex Systems

Communicative and Structural Aspects

By: Kirill Postoutenko (Editor)

Write A Review

Paperback | 21 May 2026 | Edition Number 1

At a Glance

Paperback
188 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
23.39 x 15.6 x 1.02

Paperback

RRP $77.99

$73.75

or 4 interest-free payments of $18.44 with

Ships in 3 to 5 business days

This book is the first attempt to provide a general theory of self-destruction in complex systems applicable to natural, social and cultural phenomena.

The contributors work collaboratively to prove that many of the nondistributed complex systems in nature and society sooner or later experience critical development leading to unintended and irreversible self-annihilation. The individual chapters also show that the relations of such systems to their own distinctiveness and other systems may result in specific communicative pathologies (such as redundancy, inflation and noisy signalling) which tend to mitigate or reinforce each other, depending on circumstances. Finally, the volume updates some popular models of systemic self-destructionâ"from autoimmunity and self-organized criticality to imperial overstretchâ"and discusses some prominent cases (from supernova explosions to the civil war following the Russian Revolution of 1917).

The interdisciplinary style of narration ensures the accessibility of the materials and theories presented for the specialists and students from different fields. As such, it will appeal to those interested in complexity studies from the areas of sociology, history, media and communication studies, immunology, computer science, literary criticism, cultural studies, political science and international relations.

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

Orders over $49.00 qualify for free shipping.

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.