Schur flexibility of cominuscule Schubert varieties (Q2449410): Difference between revisions

Let \(X=G/P\) be a a rational homogeneous variety (or, equivalently, a complex flag manifold). The Schubert classes form an additive basis of its integral homology. \textit{A. Borel} and \textit{A. Haefliger} [Bull. Soc. Math. Fr. 89, 461--513 (1961; Zbl 0102.38502)] asked whether an algebraic subvariety of~\(X\) homologous to a Schubert class must be a \(G\)-translate of it. When this happens, it is said that the Schubert class is ``rigid''. In case \(X\) is a compact Hermitian symmetric space, it follows form the work of \textit{B. Kostant} [Ann. Math. (2) 77, 72--144 (1963; Zbl 0134.03503)] that this problem can be approached via a system of differential equations known as the ``Schur system''. Associated to the differential system is a Lie algebra cohomology. This gives rise to a cohomological obstruction to rigidity. The goal of this paper is to show the converse, namely, the non-vanishing of the obstruction implies flexibility.