5209 - Europe as a topostrategic mental schema
N. Lygeros
Translation: Paola Vagioni
The study of space via the dynamic systems of fractal analysis and the mental schemata of topostrategy, does not have applications only in a local stage but also in a global one. The mental schema of balkanization, which is applied to the Balkans, Caucasus and to the potential Kurdistan as well, highlights the contribution of a triple dynamic point of contact where frictions are materialized due to the three basins of attraction of the strong attractors which surround the area of our study. The first impression, which is of course false, is that the center of this dynamic triangle cannot be stable. Newton’s algorithm, when it is applied in such a Gauss level area, proves that the borders of the three basins of attraction are necessarily fractal and the notion of a front in this framework is not a linear generalization of the more simple case with two basins of attraction. The modification of the action of the three attractors does not essentially change the topology of the borders. In consequence, even if this intermediate area does not include a space of big dimensions, it has the potential to maintain its structure through time. It is a variation of the astronomical phenomenon that we notice on the orbit of Jupiter. The Sun together with planet Jupiter, they create several Lagrange points, some of which have a significant robustness as far as the action of the double system is concerned. Stability points are created in small areas. The space constraint ensures a big duration inside a time framework. Thus, when we examine the Balkans we always wonder how is it possible for countries which exist in such a small space, to have so many problems. In reality, the question which geostrategy poses is how these small entities are maintained throughout such a large time distance. The framework of topostrategy, which does not examine spatial distances, gives an elegant solution. The internal structure has a topological stability and in consequence gives the possibility of survival strategies. The internal frictions that Clausewitz analyzed exist, and the three attractors cannot avoid them. They are the same frictions that, via the problems they create, allow for the existence of entities. The paradox of this mental schema comes from the requirements that it produces. The interior of the triple system is stable, as far as its duration is concerned, only if this area remains small in relation to the three basins of attraction. Because in essence, it is nothing else except the borders of the triple system. In other words, the existence and duration of the Balkans or of Caucasus type examples, is due to the space constraint. The same phenomenon also explains the difficulties of existence of potential Kurdistan, while its population consists of 20 million Kurds. With the same apparent paradox, we can examine Europe too. As Europeans, we often focus on our problems and our frictions without realizing that they constitute our reasons of existence on the globe. We officially make enormous attempts for a convergence of interests and of course benefits. We vacillate, because we cannot find a common direction and we cannot apply the United States model. But what is the reality? In comparison to the triple system of Africa, Asia and America, we are nothing but the triple point of contact. Our size coincides with their borders as far as the basins of attraction are concerned. Despite all this, our historical stability continues to impress us. The true problem is why. Now if we examine Europe as a mental topostrategic schema, the phenomenon of our existence does not remain unexplained and indeed it reinforces the framework of the European Union, i.e. that we are united in our diversity. The simplistic union, i.e. the monolithic one with the United States model, cannot function and its approach puts us in an instability peril, as it happened with the Third Reich. Our structure is viable and robust historically, as long as we operate via diversity. We do not attempt to become solely a basin, since our topology and consequently our structure will change. The strong element of Europe, which everybody calls the old continent, is timelessness. And our robustness comes from our topostrategy.