Defining the New Lexicon

Defining the New Lexicon: Fragmented Rationality, Mutual Chaotic Instrumentalization, and Technical Sovereignty – An Intellectual Property Note and Conceptual ManifestoNayef Sha’aban Research Director, Applied Arab Heritage Models Project Istiqlal Forum for Political and Strategic Studies — IFSS Damascus 17 April 2026Abstract In the space of ten days (6–15 April 2026), the author introduced four original analytical concepts to explain the structural dynamics of the Strait of Hormuz crisis: Fragmented Rationality, Mutual Chaotic Instrumentalization, Technical Sovereignty, and the overarching Geopolitical Instrumentalization Theory (GIT). This manifesto formally defines each concept, establishes their intellectual provenance, and sets the mandatory citation protocol for future academic and policy use. These terms are not rhetorical devices but precise theoretical instruments that fill a critical gap in both Western strategic literature and regional analysis.Key Concepts Defined• Fragmented Rationality (Sha’aban, 2026a): A structural condition in which multiple centers of state power operate according to internally coherent logics, yet lack any integrating mechanism to produce a single collective interest. The result is collective outcomes that none of the actors intended. Distinct from Graham Allison’s “managed pluralism.”• Mutual Chaotic Instrumentalization (Sha’aban, 2026b): The self-reinforcing external mechanism whereby third-party states (China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, India, etc.) exploit and thereby perpetuate another state’s internal fragmentation because each finds narrow self-interest served by the continuation of managed chaos.• Technical Sovereignty (Sha’aban, 2026c): The operational and hydrographic mastery (real-time seabed mapping, mine locations, safe corridors) that accrues to the party performing mine-clearance, irrespective of legal title under UNCLOS. This concept bridges Mahan’s sea-power doctrine with al-Shaybani’s classical distinction between malik (ownership) and haqq al-manfa‘a (right of usufruct).• Geopolitical Instrumentalization Theory (GIT) (Sha’aban, 2026d): The mid-range theory that integrates the above concepts, positing that chaos itself has become a tradable strategic resource in an era of declining hegemonic coherence. Grounded in Al-Mawardi and Ibn Khaldun while fully compatible with modern game theory.Intellectual Property & Citation Protocol These four concepts were originated by the author in April 2026. Future works must cite them as: “as first formulated by Sha’aban (2026a, 2026b, 2026d)”Original Publications (April 2026) Sha’aban, N. (2026a). “When the State Speaks in Many Voices…” IFSS Damascus, 15 April. Sha’aban, N. (2026b). “The Mines Iran Cannot Find…” Geopolitical Monitor, 14 April. Sha’aban, N. (2026c). “Who Controls the Strait: The Question Mahan Never Asked.” Geopolitical Monitor, 6 April. Sha’aban, N. (2026d). Geopolitical Instrumentalization Theory (GIT). Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19443157 © Nayef Sha’aban 2026 – All conceptual terms and theoretical framework reserved. ORCID / Zenodo DOI for permanent reference: 10.5281/zenodo.19443157