A parametric analysis of the structure of international energy consumption

Abstract

A mathematical analysis of the hierarchic structure of complex organized entities is given. It is shown that the structure of energy consumption and GNP per inhabitant in the countries with market economies follows such a model with high precision. Two classes of parameters are discernible, which permit a definition of rich and peripheral nations. The parameters defining the hierarchic structure (i.e. the degree of interdependence of nations) are time-dependent for energy, though apparently not for GNP. These factors have an important part to play in predicting future trends in energy consumption and GNP.