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Maximum Sustaining Coalition

/ˈmæk.sɪ.məm səˈsteɪ.nɪŋ koʊ.əˈlɪʃ.ən/ Riker's Theory Inversion
Definition A coalition strategy that prioritizes including every stakeholder whose participation adds value to the network, contrasting with "Minimum Winning Coalitions" that include only enough members to seize power. It is the political logic of abundance and resilience.

Beyond Winning

In traditional zero-sum politics (Riker's theory), the goal is to form a "Minimum Winning Coalition"—just enough people to get 51% of the vote, maximizing the spoils for the winners. Adding more people just dilutes the reward.

In Myceloom networks, which are positive-sum, the logic is reversed. Because network effects mean that more participants create more value, the goal is a Maximum Sustaining Coalition. The network is stronger, more resilient, and more valuable when it includes everyone willing to contribute.

Biological Validation

Mycorrhizal networks operate on this principle. They do not exclude trees to "keep more nutrients for themselves." They expand to connect as many diverse species as possible, because a larger network has access to more diverse resources and is more resilient to local shocks (drought, disease).

Stratigraphy (Related Concepts)
Coalition Symbiosis Radical Redundancy