Stray dogs, street gangs and terrorists: manifestations of a latent capacity support system (revised April 13, 2009)

摘要

This paper attempts to explain the inefficacy of public policies aimed at eradicating unwanted activities. It is posited that such policies are based on a perceived structure of the system that is not cognizant of the latent capacity support mechanisms for the activity. The ineffectiveness of a policy can be explained when the latent capacity support mechanisms are included in the model of the system. Policies aimed at influencing the capacity support system would be far more effective, compared with those directly attempting to contain the unwanted activity.