Spectral and Structural Control of Convergence in Greedy Max-Cut

We develop a structural framework for analyzing the convergence behavior of the greedy vertex-flip algorithm for the Max-Cut problem. We show that spectral properties of the graph constrain the distribution of local gains and derive quantitative relationships linking maximum gain, total positive gain, and expected improvement under a randomized greedy rule. These results imply that the algorithm cannot sustain stagnation unless all local gains are uniformly small. Using these structural bounds, we establish high-probability guarantees on cumulative improvement and characterize convergence as a two-phase process: a structural phase of forced improvement followed by a terminal low-gain regime. Our results provide a unified perspective connecting spectral graph theory, gain distribution, and stochastic dynamics, yielding new insight into how graph structure governs convergence behavior in greedy Max-Cut.

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Publication Details

Journal
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Published
2026-05-11
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20121477
Primary Topic
Stochastic Gradient Optimization Techniques
Type
preprint
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preprint

Spectral and Structural Control of Convergence in Greedy Max-Cut

Alexandria Jordan Lee Robinson
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Stochastic Gradient Optimization Techniques
preprint

Spectral and Structural Control of Convergence in Greedy Max-Cut

Alexandria Jordan Lee Robinson
preprint en

Abstract

We develop a structural framework for analyzing the convergence behavior of the greedy vertex-flip algorithm for the Max-Cut problem. We show that spectral properties of the graph constrain the distribution of local gains and derive quantitative relationships linking maximum gain, total positive gain, and expected improvement under a randomized greedy rule. These results imply that the algorithm cannot sustain stagnation unless all local gains are uniformly small. Using these structural bounds, we establish high-probability guarantees on cumulative improvement and characterize convergence as a two-phase process: a structural phase of forced improvement followed by a terminal low-gain regime. Our results provide a unified perspective connecting spectral graph theory, gain distribution, and stochastic dynamics, yielding new insight into how graph structure governs convergence behavior in greedy Max-Cut.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Education Trust (US)
Stochastic Gradient Optimization Techniques
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