  Simple states, such as isobaric analog states or giant resonances, embedded
into continuum are typical for mesoscopic many-body quantum systems. Due to the
coupling to compound states in the same energy range, a simple mode acquires a
damping width ("internal" dynamics). When studied experimentally with the aid
of various reactions, such states reveal enhanced cross sections in specific
channels at corresponding resonance energies ("external" dynamics which include
direct decay of a simple mode and decays of intrinsic compound states through
their own channels). We consider the interplay between internal and external
dynamics using a general formalism of the effective nonhermitian hamiltonian
and looking at the situation both from "inside" (strength functions and
spreading widths) and from "outside" (S-matrix, cross sections and delay
times). The restoration of isospin purity and disappearance of the collective
strength of giant resonances at high excitation energy are discussed as
important particular manifestations of this complex interplay.
