Polity Atlas
04 · Polity Lab · Institution Design Studio

Design an institution. Then try to break it.

Combine real mechanisms from the Atlas, surface trade-offs and contradictions, run stress scenarios, and export a charter.

A simulation is not proof.
The Lab tests hypotheses and scenarios. A real society is made of people whose interests, values and motivations change.
population · 10,000AI · administrativedecisions · direct democracyeconomy · mixed
Detected parameters — you can change all of them in the designer.
Open in designerStart blank

Start from a real model

Browse the institution repository →
Template · commonsOstrom commons charterThe eight design principles as institutions you can configure.Based on Governing the CommonsTemplate · cooperativeWorker cooperative federationOne member, one vote; nested councils; shared bank.Modelled on MondragonTemplate · deliberativeSortition-led townCitizens’ assemblies propose; referendums ratify.Modelled on the Irish Citizens’ AssemblyTemplate · networkNetwork polityDigital membership, treasury, arbitration, exit rights.Configuration, not a recommendation

Scenario stress tests

Scenarios such as secession, budget shortfall, model failure and capture show which institutions are strained.

  • Secession attemptA sizeable group of members wants to leave and take land or shared assets with them.
  • Budget shortfallRevenues fall well short of committed spending for more than one budget cycle.
  • AI model failureThe AI system used in governance produces systematically wrong or biased outputs for weeks before detection.
  • Capture by a factionAn organised minority gains control of key decision bodies and begins rewriting rules in its favour.
  • Rapid growthMembership grows tenfold within two years.

A versioned charter you can fork, amend and later run on Zomia.

Open in designer

How the Lab works

  1. 01 · ConfigureGovernance model, role of AI, economy, disputes, exit, taxation, property, federation.
  2. 02 · AnalyseContradictions and tensions are flagged with links to research.
  3. 03 · Stress-testScenarios such as secession, budget shortfall, model failure and capture show which institutions are strained.
  4. 04 · ExportA versioned charter you can fork, amend and later run on Zomia.