Overview
This course explores the emergence of government as organized violence-cum-robbery. By the end of the course, learners will understand the locations of the Neolithic Revolution, patterns in the evolution of societies, characteristics of societies, and the structure and rules of engagement in societal development. The course teaches skills such as analyzing equilibria, understanding the marginal return on investment in defense arms, and comparing benchmark strategies. The teaching method involves discussing various societal models and breakthroughs. This course is intended for individuals interested in the origins and development of government and societal structures.
Syllabus
Intro
Locations of the Neolithic Revolution
Motivation
Patterns in the evolution of societies
Undisciplined versus disciplined violence
Characteristics of societies
Inequality after the Neolithic Revolution
Structure of a round of the game
Rules of engagement
Marginal return on investment in arms (for defense)
Two benchmark strategies
Paper: analyze 6 equilibria only bold are discussed
Single Tribe ST
Warring Tribe WT
Single Chiefdom SC: 5 crucial breakthroughs
Concluding remarks: 3 Tribe equilibria
Taught by
Santa Fe Institute