SIOS is a complex quantity underlying the interaction of groups in human society. At one extreme, it is like an immune system, essential to hold the group together and permit its continued existence in a competitive world. At the other extreme, it acts to reject and cut off elements outside itself, which can harm, and may even destroy, the group involved. I believe that an understanding of SIOS is required to make sense of the complex interaction of groups in human society.

Examples at one end of the spectrum are generally regarded as positive -- patriotism, local preference, improving local education and research, 'Charity begins at Home'. Examples at the other end are regarded as negative -- discrimination, tariffs on imports, rejection of qualifications obtained abroad, anti-multinational feelings. In fact, for the best results, all these sorts of thing must be in dynamic balance.

To understand SIOS, see page 25 of my book Matrix Thinking, which is now available for free downloading from the Web, as PDF files (as sections or the complete book). Or go straight to an HTML version of the SIOS chapter.