This disclosure pertains to control systems used in electric power systems. In one embodiment, a plurality of intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) is configured to monitor a respective portion of an electric power system. Each IED may obtain electric power system measurements from the respective portion of the electric power system, determine electric power system operating conditions from the electric power system measurements, and transmit the electric power system operating conditions. A master controller may communicate with the plurality of IEDs. The master controller may comprise a communications interface configured to receive the electric power system operating conditions from the plurality of IEDs, a topology detection subsystem configured to determine a topology of the electric power system based on a common event detected by the plurality of IEDs, and an action subsystem configured to implement a control action or a protective action based on the topology of the electric power system.