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The Origins of Political Order: From Prehuman Times to the French Revolution
- Narrated by: Jonathan Davis
- Length: 22 hrs and 34 mins
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Summary
Virtually all human societies were once organized tribally, yet over time most developed new political institutions that included a central state that could keep the peace and uniform laws that applied to all citizens. Some went on to create governments that were accountable to their constituents. We take these institutions for granted, but they are absent or unable to function in many of today’s developing countries—with often disastrous consequences for the rest of the world.
Francis Fukuyama, author of the best-selling The End of History and The Last Man, and one of our most important political thinkers, provides a sweeping account of how today’s basic political institutions developed.
The first of a major two-volume work, The Origins of Political Order begins with politics among our primate ancestors and follows the story through the emergence of tribal societies, the growth of the first modern state in China, the beginning of the rule of law in India and the Middle East, and the development of political accountability in Europe up until the eve of the French Revolution.
Drawing on a vast body of knowledge—history, evolutionary biology, archaeology, and economics—Fukuyama has produced a brilliant, provocative work that offers fresh insights on the origins of democratic societies and raises essential questions about the nature of politics and its discontents.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.
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- Ragne
- 23-04-21
Interesting, but some mistakes
The part about ancient Asian countries were especially interesting to me, as I knew next to nothing about their politics. The comparative analysis of European countries (including Russia) were also a good way to explain the evolution of politics.
There were some irritating mistakes which ruined it a bit, for example comparing pre-revolusion French economy to modern American deficit. It shows a basic lack of understanding of modern macro economics in currencies like the dollar.
Also over generalisations leading to basic mistakes, like saying that men hunted and women gathered.
The narrator was good, though he sometimes sounded like he needed a break or a Snickers. He usually came back with more energy in the following chapter.
Granted, English is not my first language, but I've never heard "homogeneous" pronounced quite like that. It sounded like "homo genius", which made the childish part of me chuckle.
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Overall
- Lauri
- 04-02-21
Some historical errors but 3/5 for pop sci book.
Some historical errors but 3/5 for pop sci book. Big minus for disregarding nature vs nurture themes of soc development.
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