On Shelah's Approachability Ideal

Abstract

We solve a long-standing open problem of Shelah regarding the \emph{Approachability Ideal} $I[\kappa^+]$. Given a singular cardinal $\aleph_\gamma$, a regular cardinal $\mu\in (\mathrm{cf}(\gamma),\aleph_\gamma)$ and assuming appropriate large cardinal hypotheses, we construct a model of $\mathsf{ZFC}$ in which $\aleph_{\gamma+1} \cap \mathrm{cof}(\mu) \notin I[\aleph_{\gamma+1}]$. This provides a definitive answer to a question of Shelah from the 80's. In addition, assuming large cardinals, we construct a model of $\mathsf{ZFC}$ in which the approachability property fails, simultaneously, at every singular cardinal. This is a major milestone in the solution of a question of Foreman and Magidor from the 80's.