Political Order and Inequality
Their Foundations and their Consequences for Human Welfare
By Carles Boix | Publisher: Cambridge University Press
About the book
The fundamental question of political theory, one that precedes all other questions about the nature of political life, is why there is a state at all. Is human cooperation feasible without a political authority enforcing it? Or do we need a state to live together? This problem then opens up two further questions. If a state is necessary to establish order, how does it come into place? And, when it does, what are the consequences for the political status and economic welfare of its citizens? Combining ethnographical material, historical cases, and statistical analysis, this book describes the foundations of stateless societies, why and how states emerge, and the basis of political obligation. As a result of this inquiry, it explains the economic and political roots of inequality, describes the causes of the stagnation of the preindustrial world, and explores what led to the West's prosperity of the past two centuries.
Editions of Political Order and Inequality
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781107089433
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781107461079
Read an Excerpt
The fundamental question of political theory, one that precedes all other questions about the nature of political life, is why there is a state at all. Is human cooperation feasible without a political authority enforcing it? Or do we need a state to live together? This problem then opens up two further questions. If a state is necessary to establish order, how does it come into place? And, when it does, what are the consequences for the political status and economic welfare of its citizens? Combining ethnographical material, historical cases, and statistical analysis, this book describes the foundations of stateless societies, why and how states emerge, and the basis of political obligation. As a result of this inquiry, it explains the economic and political roots of inequality, describes the causes of the stagnation of the preindustrial world, and explores what led to the West's prosperity of the past two centuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Political Order and Inequality about?
The fundamental question of political theory, one that precedes all other questions about the nature of political life, is why there is a state at all. Is human cooperation feasible without a political authority enforcing it? Or do we need a state to live together? This problem then opens up two further questions. If a state is necessary to establish order, how does it come into place? And, when it does, what are the consequences for the political status and economic welfare of its citizens? Combining ethnographical material, historical cases, and statistical analysis, this book describes the foundations of stateless societies, why and how states emerge, and the basis of political obligation. As a result of this inquiry, it explains the economic and political roots of inequality, describes the causes of the stagnation of the preindustrial world, and explores what led to the West's prosperity of the past two centuries.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Political Order and Inequality?
Society and Social Sciences > Politics and government > Comparative politics
Where can I read a sample of Political Order and Inequality?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781107089433
Is Political Order and Inequality part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Cambridge Studies in Comparative Politics
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Political Order and Inequality?
Carles Boix
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Political Order and Inequality is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781107089433) and paperback(ISBN 9781107461079)