Structural Asymmetry and Collapse

We introduce the notion of structural asymmetry in expectation in finite systems. First, we formalize a structural law: costs are intrinsic and persistent, while gains require structured input, inducing a default asymmetry. Second, we establish a collapse theorem: if the expected net change Φ = EΔV(t) < 0, the system collapses with probability one and finite expected lifetime. This framework clarifies that local optimization or positive expected returns do not ensure survival. Viability is governed by structural drift.