Nonlinear dynamics refers to the study of systems where cause and effect are not proportional and where small changes in initial conditions can lead to drastically different outcomes, often exhibiting complex, unpredictable, and emergent behavior. Unlike linear systems, which can be decomposed into simpler parts, nonlinear dynamics involves interdependent variables that interact in ways that can produce feedback loops, bifurcations, and chaos. This field is essential for understanding phenomena in a wide range of disciplines—from meteorology and ecology to economics and cognitive science—where traditional linear approaches fail to capture the intricacies of real-world interactions. In nonlinear dynamics, the focus is on the holistic and often non-intuitive relationships that govern system behavior, embracing the complexity, interconnectedness, and adaptive nature of evolving systems.

See also: network dynamics, complexity science, emergent property, game theory, systems thinking