Due to migrations, and cultural evolution of different societal subgroups, many states today face the challenge of enforcing laws on a diverse set of population. The reason why diversity and political stability can sometimes come head to head, is because of competition over economic resources, and cultural values. Divisions between humans can occur across linguistic, ethnic, sectarian, geographic or ideological lines. In fact, the number … Continue reading How to allocate power in a diverse society

Most humans, if given the choice, would prefer to live in a utopian reality, in which all humans trust one another, collaborate, achieve their objectives simultaneously, without conflict. Freed from poverty, enslavement, lack of shelter, humans would all be free to achieve self-actualization, a state of complete fulfillment of one’s potential in service of humanity. For desiring such an outcome, the majority of humans are … Continue reading The idealism – realism rift is a false dichotomy

Following the catastrophic collapse of the Late Bronze Age (circa 1200 BCE), Phoenician civilization survived due to a combination of geographical advantages, maritime prowess, trade networks, and political flexibility. The Bronze Age Collapse, which affected much of the Mediterranean and Near East, saw the fall of major civilizations such as the Mycenaeans, Hittites, and the weakening of the Egyptian and Assyrian empires. However, the tribes … Continue reading History doesn’t repeat itself, but it rhymes

The academic discipline of game theory has been one of the most impactful contributions to the study of social dynamics. Using mathematical models to analyze decisions of human agents, game theory can be applied to a variety of fields, such as business decisions, conflict between states, group decision-making, to the genes acquired by organisms in evolutionary biology. Discussions on the mathematics of games began in the … Continue reading The lessons of game theory

Rationality generally refers to the quality of being based on or in accordance with reason or logic. It involves the ability to think, reason, and make decisions in a way that is consistent with logical principles and evidence. Assuming decision-makers are rational is key in the field of game theory, which analyzes decisions made by a wide variety of decision-makers, from consumers, investors, to political … Continue reading Are most humans rational?

Unlike at the national level of societies, the world lacks a sovereign supranational authority governing relations between humans across borders. The world is considered inherently anarchic as there is no means to impose a common framework of rules on everyone. Within societies, there are legal, judicial, and law enforcement capabilities within the hands of a sovereign government. The constitutional order establishes the rights of the … Continue reading Anarchy and global order