It is described how Chern-Simons gauge theory in three dimensions can be viewed as a string theory which is constructed by using a topological sigma model associated with a degenerate case of Floer/Gromov theory of symplectic manifolds whose target space is \(T^*M\) where \(M\) is a 3-manifold. The instantons considered in Floer theory give rise to Wilson line insertions in the space-time Chern-Simons theory. It is stressed that a holomorphic analog of Chern-Simons theory can arise as a string theory.
For the entire collection see [Zbl 0824.00019].