ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the basic concepts of the theory of self-organizing systems. It attempts to make sense of the immense complexity of societal disorder by constructing a three dimensional analytical grid for the investigation of the various ways in which societal structuration processes unfolds. Yet complexity is conducive to the emergence of crises, reintroducing chance into our lives and thus the opportunity for free individual choices. Modern political thought appears in many ways like a quest for the key that would make sense of the very "noisy" cacophony of individual and group aspirations. Structural changes at the levels result in a re-organization of the corresponding codes which react upon political as well as economic transactions. D. Easton follows a similar line of reasoning in distinguishing between the regime, or constitutional order, and the political community which manifests a higher degree of resilience.
