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arXiv · 2603.10911

Macroscopic Dominance from Microscopic Extremes: Symmetry Breaking in Spatial Competition

Stuti Guha·Shawn D. Ryan·Bhargav R. Karamched
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Abstract

How do competing populations convert a spatial advantage into macroscopic dominance? We introduce a stochastic model for resource competition that decouples the transient discovery phase from monopolization. Initial symmetry breaking is governed by extreme value statistics of first-passage times: a linear spatial disadvantage requires an exponentially larger population to overcome. However, transient superiority cannot stabilize dominance. A non-reciprocal interaction bias is strictly necessary to arrest local fluctuations and drive the system into a robust absorbing state.

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Stuti Guha, Shawn D. Ryan, Bhargav R. Karamched. 2026-03-11. Macroscopic Dominance from Microscopic Extremes: Symmetry Breaking in Spatial Competition. https://arxiv.org/abs/2603.10911

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