Narrow Results

In this work we perform a statistical analysis of the evolutionary events in a modified version of the Sherrigton–Kirkpatrick model that takes into account the neutrality effect in the landscape. The evolutionary events correspond to abrupt changes in the fitness of the population after long period of stasis. The distribution of these events and its dependence on the set of parameters of the model are investigated. We also examine the performance of the optimization process looking at the temporal evolution of average and maximum fitness in the population.

The dynamics evolution of the minority opinion in public debates is studied using a convincing power (CP) model with neutrality. In a given group, an agent with a definite standpoint (yes or no) can be persuaded to be a neutral agent, if its capacity of persuasion is lower than the average CP of its opponents. Besides that a neutral agent will change its state and follow a more persuasive opinion. Starting from two opposite opinions with different rates, repeated local discussions are found to drive the minority reversal. It reveals that in addition to the initial minority, the number of neutral agents is also an important factor to the eventual winners. During the process of consensus, there exists a threshold of initial fraction to guarantee one side win. The results have a guiding significance for designing strategies to win a public debate.

The question of what properties of biological systems allow for efficient evolutionary search in complex fitness landscapes (evolvability) is one of the central interests both for the research in the field of evolutionary biology and artificial life. Here, we attempt to address this issue by using a model of 3D multicellular development in which cell fate is determined by differential gene expression in each cell. In our model, cells can vary in size and can move freely in 3D space, affected by forces of adhesion and repulsion. The development relies on an indirect mapping between the genotype and the morphology (the phenotype). Cell differentiation is allowed by positional information provided by diffusible factors. The state of the gene regulatory network (GRN) coded by the genome determines the cell fate (such as division, death, growth). The genetic elements in our systems define points in N-dimensional space. The connectivity in the GRN is determined by the proximity of these points; one can imagine the evolutionary process as their movement in space. Changing the number of dimensions of this space allows to ask directly the questions about the effect of the complexity of the search space on the efficiency of the evolutionary search. Higher dimensionality results in a larger search space, but in our model this search space can still be explored thanks to the action of genetic operators that allow for duplications of genetic elements, a mutational mechanism that allows for regulatory innovations in the network.

Beijing’s recent peace initiatives in the Middle East have drawn growing scrutiny and generated heated debate over its role in the Global South. Learning from the West’s hitherto mixed record in the regional peace process, China attempts to improve the effectiveness of regional peace diplomacy by focusing on three important ingredients, namely, neutrality, leverage, and timing. While Beijing’s neutrality stems from the long-held principle of inviolability of sovereignty and territorial integrity, its leverage draws from extensive and robust economic ties with regional stakeholders. Moreover, Beijing offers its good offices at a time when both the Iranians and Saudis have become conflict-weary, believing that continued tensions go against their own interests. Recent breakthroughs in peace diplomacy may raise local actors’ expectations to such levels that Beijing may find difficult to meet because China still defines its role as one of a facilitator, not a security guarantor.

In order to have a successful national identity — one capable of facilitating a successful national developmental trajectory — a country needs a felicitous combination of an inclusive political structure, an integrated (but reasonably tolerant) national culture, and a respected international status. Which of these elements Burma is endowed with and which ones are missing and why? These are some of the questions explored in this concluding chapter.