Preface

This essay on the achievements of the theory of dynamical systems (DS) and related areas of the theory of ordinary differential equations and other mathematical disciplines over the past approximately 25 years is very brief and incomplete, especially in comparison with the surveys of the same subject covering earlier periods that were published in the well-known VINITI series “Progress in Science and Technology” and “Current Problems in Mathematics. Fundamental Directions” (the most recent of them partially cover the period considered in this essay). In this connection, I refer to the recent survey of Yoccoz, which considers the subject from a different angle and substantially supplements the list of topics considered in this paper. An extensive material, including quite fresh results, is contained in the voluminous book, which has recently been translated into Russian.

Not only Yoccoz but also a number of other speakers who delivered plenary and large sectional talks at international mathematical congresses told about dynamical systems. All these reports can be recommended as authoritative surveys of various aspects of the subject, which give both prospects and the most current state of the art. I distinguish Yoccoz's report because of its broad scope. Later, a fairly extensive report was made by J. Moser.

The features according to which the material for the first two sections was selected are evident from the titles. The selection was based on clear formal criteria; I believe, it is free of subjectivity in this respect.