Real space renormalization group and totalitarian paradox of majority rule voting

The effect of majority rule voting in hierarchical structures is studied using the basic concepts from real space renormalization group. It shows in particular that a huge majority can be self-eliminated while climbing up the hierarchy levels. This majority democratic self-elimination articulates ar...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Physica A 2000-09, Vol.285 (1), p.66-76
Main Author: Galam, Serge
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Collective effects
Renormalization group
Social and political phenomena
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Summary:The effect of majority rule voting in hierarchical structures is studied using the basic concepts from real space renormalization group. It shows in particular that a huge majority can be self-eliminated while climbing up the hierarchy levels. This majority democratic self-elimination articulates around the existence of fixed points in the voting flow. An unstable fixed point determines the critical threshold to full and total power. It can be varied from 50% up to 77% of initial support. Our model could shed new light on the last century eastern European communist collapse.
ISSN:0378-4371
1873-2119
DOI:10.1016/S0378-4371(00)00272-7