K-semistability of optimal degenerations

Abstract

K-polystability of a polarised variety is an algebro-geometric notion conjecturally equivalent to the existence of a constant scalar curvature K\"ahler metric. When a variety is K-unstable, it is expected to admit a "most destabilising" degeneration. In this note we show that if such a degeneration exists, then the limiting scheme is itself relatively K-semistable.