A Criticism of Systemic-centric Theorism: Part 2 – Advanced Mechanics

Before we delve into the importance of the individual and domestic levels relative to the systemic level, we need to look at their respective compositions. These can be summarized by two small diagrams as follows.

Figure 1. The deconstruction of the individual level of analysis, 

where x, y, and z, are subordinates that the individual projects their power through.

Figure 2. The deconstruction of the domestic level of analysis, 

where I1, I2, and I3, are individuals that influence the domestic state. 
Each individual has their respective x, y, and z subordinates as described above.

Now that this is established, it becomes possible to progress to the advanced mechanics of the individual-domestic-systemic political structure.

Stage 1

Individuals in various nations project their power and transmit it throughout said nation. They do so with the aid of their subordinates. This establishes the relation of I→ D as covered in the previous post. This collection of individually-influenced domestic levels constitutes a systemic level. This can also be expressed as D→ S. Thus, we return to the thesis of the previous post, being I→ D→ S1.

Figure 3. A graphical depiction of the first stage.

Stage 2

In this new systemic level, more individuals in their respective nations rise to project power via the aid of their subordinates. These individuals are subject to any influences already present in this systemic level, which can be traced back to the original individuals and nations that formed it. We can represent this as S1: I→ D. The individuals then project their power through the domestic level into the systemic layer, causing change. This is portrayable by S1: D→ S. Once more, we arrive at S1: I→ D→ S.

Figure 4. A graphical depiction of the second stage.

Stage 3

As mentioned, this collective influence causes a change that creates a new systemic level: S1→ S2. The old systemic level becomes historical, but is now somewhat irrelevant. Note that in the new systemic level, the entire process repeats. All individuals and nations in this stage are influenced by all the individuals and nations who contributed to shaping the new systemic level. Therefore, throughout history, the present course of events is collectively influenced by everything that shaped its current systemic level.

Figure 5. A graphical depiction of the third stage.

Ultimately, these mechanics also demonstrate the relevance of the individual and domestic levels and how they form the systemic level. They also depict how the systemic layer does not remain constant and in fact, changes. What defines a change is vague, but there are various historical events that set them apart. This topic will be explored in the third and final post of this critical series.