Non-Equilibrium Economics: A Physicist's Point of View
This study challenges the equilibrium paradigm of mainstream economics by investigating the endogenous origins of bubbles, crises, and inequality in economic systems. Drawing on complex systems theory, the authors develop a non-equilibrium dynamical “toy” model that integrates nonlinear dynamics and self-organized criticality to uncover three key mechanisms: path-dependent multiple equilibria, chaotic oscillations arising from dynamically inaccessible equilibria, and fragile stability induced by self-organized criticality. Remarkably, the model reproduces excessive volatility, endogenous crises, inflationary spirals, and persistent inequality—all without exogenous shocks—thereby offering a novel non-equilibrium explanation for macroeconomic instability and prompting a critical re-evaluation of conventional equilibrium-based frameworks.