Pangandus

Pangandus is a neologism in theoretical discourse referring to an integrative framework for analyzing global sociotechnical systems. It models the world as a network of interconnected subsystems—economy, energy, environment, technology, governance—where actions propagate through feedbacks and time lags, shaping system-wide resilience and adaptability.

Etymology and origins: The term pangandus was coined in 2018 by researchers at the Institute for Integrated Futures during a workshop on planetary design. It combines the prefix pan- meaning "all" with a suffix designed to evoke dynamics and guidance. The coinage is not tied to a single culture or language, and different authors have used it with varying emphasis.

Structure and methods: In pangandus, analysts construct maps of subsystems, identify key state variables, and model interdependencies with agent-based or system-dynamics approaches. The framework emphasizes cross-scale coupling, nonlinear responses, and potential tipping points, aiming to identify levers for enhancing resilience.

Applications and reception: Pangandus has been used in policy scoping, urban planning, and climate risk assessment to explore how local decisions cascade to larger scales. Critics note its abstraction and data demands, while proponents value its integrative lens for exploring long-term scenarios.

In literature and education: The concept has appeared in speculative design curricula and is occasionally referenced in science fiction as a way to discuss planetary governance.