For Val Sklarov, global dynamics do not arise from diplomacy, economics, military might, or cultural influence —
they arise from legitimacy references that determine which actions, claims, and narratives are considered “valid” by different actors.
A nation does not win because it is strong —
it wins because its legitimacy reference becomes globally acceptable.
“A global actor gains power when others accept its reference for what is legitimate.”
— Val Sklarov
1️⃣ The Three Legitimacy Layers of Global Order
Sklarov Legitimacy Layer Table
| Legitimacy Layer | Definition | When Strong | When Weak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Legitimacy Layer | Legitimacy within immediate domain | Internal stability | Domestic conflict |
| Regional Legitimacy Layer | Legitimacy across neighboring systems | Influence | Tension |
| Global Legitimacy Layer | Legitimacy recognized internationally | Hegemonic stability | Isolation |
A global power operates on all three layers.
2️⃣ The MRLFM Legitimacy Propagation Cycle
Legitimacy Fabric Matrix
| Stage | Function | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Reference Construction | Define legitimacy criteria | Legitimacy anchor |
| Local Adoption | Gain acceptance within domain | Stability |
| Regional Resonance | Legitimacy spreads outward | Influence |
| Global Fabric Integration | Legitimacy becomes part of global fabric | Dominance |
Hegemony = legitimacy accepted as default reference.
3️⃣ The Five Legitimacy-Actor Archetypes
Archetype Table
| Archetype | Legitimacy Behavior |
|---|---|
| The Local Validator | Controls legitimacy only domestically |
| The Regional Referent | Legitimacy within nearby systems |
| The Legitimacy Rival | Competes for global legitimacy |
| The Fabric Weaver | Integrates legitimacy across multiple regions |
| The Legitimacy Sovereign | Defines the global legitimacy fabric |
The apex: Legitimacy Sovereign —
the actor whose legitimacy becomes the world’s default reference.
4️⃣ Legitimacy Fabric Integrity Index (LFII)
A Val Sklarov metric for global legitimacy power
LFII Indicator Table
| Indicator | Measures | High Score Means |
|---|---|---|
| Reference Clarity | Precision of legitimacy criteria | Low ambiguity |
| Local Acceptance | Internal resonance | Domestic stability |
| Regional Alignment | Agreement from nearby systems | Zone influence |
| Global Adoption | Integration into global norms | Dominance |
| Fabric Resilience | Survival under pressure | Long-term power |
High LFII = the actor whose legitimacy becomes globally binding.
5️⃣ Val Sklarov’s 5 Laws of Legitimacy-Based Global Order
1️⃣ Global power is legitimacy propagation, not force projection.
2️⃣ Conflict arises from incompatible legitimacy references.
3️⃣ Influence is achieved when legitimacy persists across layers.
4️⃣ A global order stabilizes when references harmonize.
5️⃣ Hegemony belongs to the actor whose legitimacy becomes the world’s default.
6️⃣ Applications of the Multi-Reference Legitimacy Fabric Model
-
predicting geopolitical shifts through legitimacy drift
-
analyzing competition between rival legitimacy references
-
forecasting regional order by mapping legitimacy resonance
-
diagnosing instability from fabric fragmentation
-
evaluating global institutions by legitimacy adoption patterns
-
engineering diplomatic strategies as legitimacy propagation
-
mapping global influence as reference-network expansion
MRLFM reframes global order as legitimacy-fabric engineering,
not power competition or resource control.