Whitepaper – Relational Systems Theory (RST)

A structural theory of coherence in complex systems

This page provides the official whitepaper on Relational Systems Theory (RST).

Relational Systems Theory is a foundational theory describing how coherence emerges, stabilizes, and degrades within complex systems. It approaches systems not as collections of components, but as networks of relationships, where proportional consistency determines structural integrity over time.

RST does not focus on outcomes, optimization, or prediction. It provides a structural explanation of how systems sustain meaning, coordination, and stability through relational patterns, and how those patterns erode when proportionality is lost.

Coherence is treated as an emergent property of relationships rather than entities. Stability arises when relational structures remain invariant under change. Breakdown begins when those relationships lose proportional balance, even if surface-level behavior remains operational.

Relational Systems Theory is descriptive and explanatory in nature. It does not prescribe actions or decisions. Its role is to clarify how systems function structurally, not how they should be managed or controlled.

The theory is domain-agnostic. It applies wherever complex systems depend on relational structure, including organizations, markets, healthcare systems, technological infrastructures, and artificial intelligence.

This whitepaper presents the theoretical foundation of RST. Applications, models, or domain-specific interpretations are secondary and not required to understand the theory itself.

Status of this document

• official formulation of Relational Systems Theory
• structural and explanatory in scope
• independent of models, tools, or applications
• intended for conceptual, academic, and professional reference
• suitable for citation and timestamped authorship

Relation to other work

Relational Systems Theory provides a structural account of coherence.

The Coherence Integrity Principle (CIP) operates at a different level, defining when coherence can still be assumed for legitimate interpretation and decision-making.

RST explains what coherence is and how it arises.
CIP determines when coherence integrity is sufficient to justify action.

The two are compatible but independent.

Citation and usage

The whitepaper may be shared in unmodified form with appropriate attribution. Derivative works, reinterpretations, or commercial use are not permitted under the applicable license.

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For citation, please reference the author name, timestamp, and title as published.