[MS01] Delay differential equations in mathematical biology and life sciences

[MS01-08] Population dynamics of a resource-driven complex conflict

*Sergiy Shelyag¹, Jody McKerral¹, Yang Shi¹ (1. Flinders University (Australia))

Keywords:

population dynamics,resource distribution,competition,dynamical systems

Conflicts and wars are natural for humans as well as other biological systems. In our work, we develop a population-dynamics model of a resource-driven conflict, where the opposing forces rely on production and distribution of a neutral (not directly involved in conflict) population. The neutral population is heterogeneous and includes supporters of either force. Distribution of resource is the main driving property of the model, whose parameters include affinity (cultural or otherwise) with either force. The model is built using a system of ordinary differential equations, which describe the temporal evolution of the populations. We investigate the model outcomes and pay particular attention to the regions in the parameter space, which allow for the conflict to stall. Finally, we link the model outcomes and parameter values to some historical complex conflicts.