The emergence of complex political organisation

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Chapter 9 in A History of the Global Economy, 2018, pp 154-171 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: The topic in Part IV is the rise of agrarian civilisations and the economic aspect of empires and civilisations. As hierarchies of villages and towns emerged, supported by an agriculture which was becoming more and more productive, this made possible the emergence of a ruling class, the existence of non-agricultural pursuits, social stratification and, most striking of all, an increasingly complex political organisation. There was a long period of proto-urbanisation, with these characteristics gradually emerging. The existence of harvested plants, herds and flocks of animals, and fixed assets in urban areas, offered a temptation to predation. Political organisation was centred on the need for defence, as well as the provision of other public infrastructure, such as granaries and irrigation projects. Defence soon became offence, and empires appeared, creating the foundation for civilisations. Empires rose and fell, although civilisations have been more persistent.

Keywords: Development Studies; Economics and Finance (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
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