Generalized Harish-Chandra Modules: A New Direction

Let $\frak g$ be a reductive Lie algebra over $\bold C$. We say that a $\frak g$-module $M$ is a generalized Harish-Chandra module if, for some subalgebra $\frak k \subset\frak g$, $M$ is locally $\frak k$-finite and has finite $\frak k$-multiplicities. We believe that the problem of classifying all irreducible generalized Harish-Chandra modules could be tractable. In this paper, we review the recent success with the case when $\frak k$ is a Cartan subalgebra. We also review the recent determination of which reductive in $\frak g$ subalgebras $\frak k$ are essential to a classification. Finally, we present in detail the emerging picture for the case when $\frak k$ is a principal 3-dimensional subalgebra.