An Analysis of the Potential for the Formation of ‘Nodes of Persisting Complexity’

Human civilisation has undergone a continuous trajectory of rising sociopolitical complexity since its inception; trend which dramatic recent acceleration. This phenomenon resulted in increasingly severe perturbation the Earth System, manifesting recently as global-scale effects such climate change. These create an increased risk global ‘de-complexification’ (collapse) event could undergo widespread reversal. ‘Nodes persisting complexity’ are geographical locations may experience lesser from due to having ‘favourable starting conditions’ that allow retention degree complexity. A shortlist nations (New Zealand, Iceland, United Kingdom, Australia and Ireland) were identified qualitatively analysed detail ascertain their potential form ‘nodes Zealand is greatest potential). The analysis outputs applied identify insights for enhancing resilience ‘de-complexification’.