Relative amenability (Q473141)

Let \(G\) be a locally compact group. A subgroup \(H \subseteq G\) is called a \textit{convex compact \(G\)-space} if it is a compact convex \(G\)-invariant subset of any Hausdorff locally convex topological vector space endowed with an affine representation of \(G\). A closed subgroup \(H\) of \(G\) is called \textit{relatively amenable} if \(H\) fixes a point in every non-empty convex compact \(G\)-space. The main result of this paper is the equivalence of some properties for closed subgroups of a locally compact group \(G\): {\parindent=6mm \begin{itemize}\item[(i)] Every non-empty convex compact \(G\)-space admits an \(H\)-fixed point. \item[(ii)] The kernel \(J^1(G,H) = \ker{L^1(G) \to L^1(G/H)}\) has a right approximate unit in \(L^1_0(G)\). \item[(iii)] There is a left \(H\)-invariant mean on \(C_b^{ru}(G)\). \item[(iv)] There is a \(G\)-equivariant continuous linear map \(\alpha: L^\infty(G) \to L^\infty(G/H)\) with \(\alpha(\mathbf 1_G) = \mathbf 1_{G/H}\). \item[(v)] There is a map in (iv) which is positive and of norm one. \end{itemize}} In (iv) and (v) the \(G\)-equivariance can be replaced by \(L^1(G)\)-equivariance. The authors deduce a solution to \textit{H. Reiter}'s problem [C. R. Acad. Sci., Paris, Sér. A 267, 882--885 (1968; Zbl 0165.15801)]. Later the authors consider the class \(\mathcal X\) of locally compact groups the closed subgroups of which satisfy one of the equivalent conditions: (i) Every relatively amenable subgroup is amenable. (ii) There is a non-empty convex compact \(G\)-space such that the stabiliser of every point is amenable. The authors show that the class \(\mathcal X\) is very large, containing all familiar groups and that any Chabauty limit of amenable subgroups remains amenable if the ambient group belongs to the vast class \(\mathcal X\).