Buffer Independence

Canonical definition

Buffer Independence is the degree to which an institution derives its authority, competence, and operating capacity from sources other than the incumbent's personal will. Under full Subcriticality, multiple institutions have high Buffer Independence: courts derive authority from constitutional norms and professional competence, media from audience trust and journalistic standards, the military from professional doctrine and institutional culture, economic institutions from market discipline and regulatory frameworks. Complete buffer capture systematically eliminates Buffer Independence by redirecting each institution's authority to the incumbent's personal will.