Chaos in the 21st Century

Chaos theory describes complex motion and the dynamics of sensitive systems. Chaotic systems are mathematically deterministic but nearly impossible to predict. Chaos is more evident in long-term systems than in short-term systems. Behavior in chaotic systems is aperiodic, meaning that no variable describing the state of the system undergoes a regular repetition of values. A chaotic system can actually evolve in a way that appears to be smooth and ordered, however. Chaos refers to the issue of whether or not it is possible to make accurate long-term predictions of any system if the initial conditions are known to an accurate degree. Source: Chaos Theory and Fractals, by Jonathan Mendelson and Elena Blumenthal.

Does the Flap of a Butterfly’s Wings in Brazil set off a Tornado in Texas?

Ironic that the famous question concerns a storm in the state of Texas. If we take the theory above, and apply it to current events, it may read thus: Does the soft, war-like whisper of Donald Rumsfeld’s hot breath in George Dubya’s ear set off a firestorm in the Middle East? Does such a firestorm eventually lead to a clash of civilizations, and the eventual destruction of all that we’ve built over the past few millennia? Only time and the Chaos theory will tell.