Evolutionary Control Theory: Boundary-Coupled Selection, Archival Prestige, and Harm Persistence in Networked Systems

This working paper presents Evolutionary Control Theory as a preliminary formal systems framework for analyzing persistence, decay, and reproduction in adaptive networked harm systems. The paper formalizes a Boundary-Coupled Loss proposition: destabilizing loss generated by a strategy can affect that strategy’s prevalence only when the loss reduces realized boundary yield relative to alternatives. If loss remains external to the selecting boundary, recognition of that loss does not alter the selection gradient. The paper then extends the framework through the concept of archival prestige. In networked cruelty systems, retained proof can function as rank memory, rank memory can increase recruit legibility, and recruit legibility can increase strategy prevalence relative to alternatives. This work is offered as a formal systems note and research program. It does not offer policy prescription, actor-level diagnosis, moral commentary, or implementation-level intervention guidance.