Autocracy Not Inevitable
Gary Feinman cites Teotihuacan and Mohenjo-daro as examples of non-autocratic societies that defy traditional narrative
The traditional narrative that the rise of all-powerful rulers is inevitable with population growth has been challenged by archaeologist Gary Feinman. Feinman, who is based at the Field Museum in Chicago, has conducted extensive research on the topic, including archaeological fieldwork in Mexico and China.
His research, published in various academic journals including the Annual Review of Anthropology in 2023, as well as PNAS and Science Advances, highlights the complexity of long-term political change. Feinman's work shows that the invention of agriculture did not inevitably lead to inequality in wealth and power, as previously thought.
The ancient Greeks are often credited with devising a new approach called 'democracy', which allowed for more inclusive forms of governance. However, democracy waned during the Middle Ages and regained momentum centuries later in Europe. Feinman's research suggests that this narrative is an oversimplification, and that non-autocratic societies have been found around the world, including Teotihuacan in Mexico and Mohenjo-daro in Pakistan.
## What's at stake The implications of Feinman's research are significant, as they suggest that the rise of autocratic governments is not inevitable. Instead, a variety of factors can foster autocracy or more inclusive forms of governance. This challenges the traditional view that population growth inevitably leads to the concentration of power in the hands of a few individuals.
The existence of non-autocratic societies throughout history, in regions such as Mexico and Pakistan, highlights the complexity of long-term political change. Feinman's work provides a nuanced understanding of the factors that contribute to the development of different forms of governance, and challenges readers to rethink their assumptions about the inevitability of autocratic rule.
## Why it matters The research has important implications for our understanding of the development of societies and the factors that contribute to the rise of autocratic governments. By examining the complexity of long-term political change, Feinman's work provides a more nuanced understanding of the ways in which power can be distributed and exercised. This is particularly relevant in today's world, where the balance of power and the distribution of resources are increasingly important issues.
