Systems Theory and the Communist Orbit.
ResearchPublished 1968
An application of a systems theory approach to the "communist international system" (that group of states each of which is ruled by a communist party) to determine whether there are any gains to be obtained from such analysis. From a list of 54 basic terms in general systems theory, the relevant concepts are selected, defined, and analyzed, with examples of possible analogies. Six of these concepts--system, isomorphism, boundary, environment, integration, and differentiation--are then developed in greater detail. The results suggest that while general systems theory can serve as a framework for studying and organizing the study of the communist international system, it is too broad to catch many of the important political developments within the system and is devoid of particular content. However, the great strength of systems theory is to provide perspective, to demonstrate that political systems evolve, and to free the student from traditional categories of analysis by uncovering hidden facts and relationships. Appendix A provides the Bank and Textor compilation of 56 characteristics of 14 communist countries. 68 pp.
Document Details
- Copyright: RAND Corporation
- Availability: Available
- Year: 1968
- Print Format: Paperback
- Paperback Pages: 68
- Paperback Price: $25.00
- Document Number: P-3812
Citation
RAND Style Manual
Chicago Manual of Style
Robinson, Thomas W., Systems Theory and the Communist Orbit. RAND Corporation, P-3812, 1968. As of September 13, 2024: https://www.rand.org/pubs/papers/P3812.html
Robinson, Thomas W., Systems Theory and the Communist Orbit. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1968. https://www.rand.org/pubs/papers/P3812.html. Also available in print form.
This publication is part of the RAND paper series. The paper series was a product of RAND from 1948 to 2003 that captured speeches, memorials, and derivative research, usually prepared on authors' own time and meant to be the scholarly or scientific contribution of individual authors to their professional fields. Papers were less formal than reports and did not require rigorous peer review.
This document and trademark(s) contained herein are protected by law. This representation of RAND intellectual property is provided for noncommercial use only. Unauthorized posting of this publication online is prohibited; linking directly to this product page is encouraged. Permission is required from RAND to reproduce, or reuse in another form, any of its research documents for commercial purposes. For information on reprint and reuse permissions, please visit www.rand.org/pubs/permissions.
RAND is a nonprofit institution that helps improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis. RAND's publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions of its research clients and sponsors.