Asymmetric Pressure

Definition

External pressure that accumulates faster than institutional decision capacity can process it. The asymmetry creates a structural gap: pressure demands action at rate R while capacity operates at rate r < R, generating a 'decision debt' that cannot be serviced through deliberation.

Formula

Example

Social media outrage cycles at hours while institutional investigation cycles at weeks. The asymmetry is not a failure of the institution—it reflects different structural rates that panic exploits.

Source

AP Section 1