Solving the hierarchy problem without supersymmetry or extra dimensions: an alternative approach

In this paper, we propose a possible new approach towards solving the gauge hierarchy problem without supersymmetry and without extra spacetime dimensions. This approach relies on the finiteness of string theory and the conjectured stability of certain non-supersymmetric string vacua. One crucial ingredient in this approach is the idea of "misaligned supersymmetry", which explains how string theories may be finite even without exhibiting spacetime supersymmetry. This approach towards solving the gauge hierarchy problem is therefore complementary to recent proposals involving both large and small extra spacetime dimensions. This approach may also give a new perspective towards simultaneously solving the cosmological constant problem. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.