Viability in dynamic social networks

Two examples, Sampson's monks and Padgett and Ansell’ Florentines, illustrate the viability approach of dynamic networks. Notably, the relationship with centrality is studied. Historical processes involving networks are discussed.

Networks are presented as controls in controlled dynamic systems. Viability is the property for a state x that there exists a trajectory starting from x and satisfying the constraints until the time horizon. To obtain this, connection matrices must be selected at each time and each visited state among a specific set, the regulation map, which is carefully defined and built.

Key words:

• Dynamic social networks
• viability
• control theory