The Origins of Political Order

This extensive text examines the historical development of political institutions, particularly focusing on the emergence of the state, rule of law, and accountability. It contrasts different civilizational paths, highlighting the unique trajectories of China, India, and Europe, and later exploring the experiences of the Middle East and Russia. The sources analyze how factors like kinship structures, religion, warfare, and economic conditions influenced these developments, ultimately leading to varying forms of governance, from patrimonialism and absolutism to more accountable systems. The text also considers the concept of political decay and how historical patterns might inform our understanding of contemporary political development in different parts of the world.