Ancient Command Economy

Ancient Command Economies: A Deep Dive into History's Controlled Systems

Introduction:

Forget the invisible hand of the market. For millennia, societies thrived – and sometimes crumbled – under the iron fist of the command economy. Long before the Soviet Union or Maoist China, civilizations experimented with intricate systems where central authorities dictated production, distribution, and consumption. This exploration delves into the fascinating, often brutal, realities of ancient command economies, examining their successes, failures, and enduring legacy on our understanding of economic systems. We'll unpack the mechanics of these systems, analyze specific examples from across the globe, and consider their relevance to modern economic theory. Prepare to journey back in time to understand the roots of centralized economic control.


1. Defining the Ancient Command Economy:

The term "command economy" might conjure images of grim Soviet factories. However, the core principles—centralized control over resource allocation and production—were present in various forms throughout history, albeit with significant variations. Ancient command economies differed greatly from their modern counterparts in scale, technology, and social structure. While modern command economies often rely on sophisticated bureaucratic systems and advanced technology, ancient systems depended heavily on tradition, religious beliefs, and the power of the ruling elite. The central authority, whether a pharaoh, emperor, or theocratic council, determined what was produced, how it was produced, and who received the output. This control extended beyond simple resource allocation; it often encompassed aspects of social life, including labor organization and even personal consumption patterns.

2. Ancient Mesopotamia: A Cradle of Controlled Production:

Mesopotamia, the "land between two rivers," offers a compelling case study. The highly organized irrigation systems necessary for agriculture necessitated centralized planning and control. The ruling class, often priests or kings, oversaw large-scale public works projects, including canals, temples, and city walls. These projects required a substantial workforce, often mobilized through corvée labor – compulsory unpaid work levied on the populace. While not entirely a "pure" command economy, Mesopotamia demonstrated the early stages of centralized control over resource allocation and labor, setting a precedent for future civilizations. The distribution of goods, often collected as taxes or tributes, was largely determined by the ruling elite, reflecting their power and control over the economic life of the society.

3. The Egyptian Pharaohs and Their Economic Power:

Ancient Egypt's economy operated under the absolute authority of the pharaoh, considered a divine ruler. The pharaoh controlled vast tracts of land, directing agricultural production, resource extraction (like quarrying for building materials), and the construction of monumental projects like pyramids and temples. The intricate bureaucracy played a crucial role in managing these resources and distributing goods, ensuring the functioning of the state and the maintenance of the pharaoh's power. The system relied heavily on a hierarchical social structure, with the pharaoh at the apex, followed by scribes, officials, and the vast peasant population who provided the labor. Religious beliefs further reinforced the pharaoh's economic control, legitimizing their authority and the demands placed upon the population.

4. The Inca Empire: A Highly Organized Command Economy in the Andes:

The Inca Empire, spanning across the Andes Mountains, presents another remarkable example. Their sophisticated system of terraced agriculture, intricate road networks, and centralized administrative structure facilitated an impressive level of economic control. The mit'a system, a form of labor taxation, required citizens to contribute a certain amount of labor to public works projects or to the state. The Inca controlled the distribution of resources, utilizing a vast network of storehouses (qollqas) to store agricultural surpluses and other goods. This system enabled them to effectively manage resources and respond to emergencies, such as droughts or famines, further solidifying the power of the empire. Their highly organized structure, however, relied heavily on a centralized authority and was vulnerable to disruptions when that authority weakened.

5. The Strengths and Weaknesses of Ancient Command Economies:

Ancient command economies, while exhibiting remarkable organizational capabilities in certain contexts, also suffered from significant weaknesses. Their strengths often lay in their ability to mobilize resources for large-scale projects, ensuring the construction of impressive infrastructure and the maintenance of social order. However, they frequently lacked the flexibility and responsiveness of market-based economies. The lack of price signals and competition often led to inefficiencies in resource allocation, technological stagnation, and a limited responsiveness to changing consumer demands. Furthermore, the potential for corruption, abuse of power, and the suppression of individual initiative were significant drawbacks, often leading to social unrest and ultimately contributing to the collapse of these systems.

6. The Legacy of Ancient Command Economies:

Despite their eventual decline in various historical contexts, the legacy of ancient command economies remains significant. Their influence can be traced through the development of modern economic thought, particularly in debates surrounding central planning versus free markets. The successes and failures of these ancient systems offer valuable lessons about the complexities of resource allocation, the role of government, and the challenges of balancing centralized control with individual liberty. Studying these historical examples provides a rich backdrop for understanding the ongoing discussions regarding the optimal balance between government intervention and market forces in contemporary economic systems.



Ebook Outline: Ancient Command Economies: A Comparative Study

Author: Dr. Anya Sharma, Economic Historian

Introduction: Defining Command Economies, Scope of the Study
Chapter 1: Mesopotamian Economic Organization: Irrigation, Labor, and Central Authority
Chapter 2: The Egyptian Economy: Pharaohs, Bureaucracy, and Resource Management
Chapter 3: The Inca Empire: Mit'a, Qollqas, and Andean Economic Control
Chapter 4: Comparative Analysis: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Similarities Across Civilizations
Chapter 5: The Long Shadow: The Impact of Ancient Command Economies on Modern Economic Thought
Conclusion: Lessons Learned and Future Implications


(Each chapter would then be expanded upon in the ebook, providing detailed analysis and supporting evidence for each point made above.)


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Were ancient command economies entirely devoid of market mechanisms? No, while centrally controlled, some elements of bartering and informal markets often existed alongside the formal command structures.

2. How did ancient command economies respond to crises like famine or war? Responses varied, but often involved redistribution of stored resources from central granaries or intensified labor demands.

3. What role did religion play in ancient command economies? Religion often legitimized the authority of the ruling class and their control over resources.

4. Were there any attempts at rebellion or resistance against ancient command economies? Yes, historical records document various forms of resistance, though often suppressed.

5. How did technology influence the effectiveness of ancient command economies? Technological advancements, such as irrigation systems or improved tools, could enhance efficiency, but limitations in technology often hampered their overall success.

6. What were the social consequences of ancient command economies? Social stratification was common, with a sharp distinction between the ruling elite and the working population.

7. How did ancient command economies compare to other economic systems of the time? They differed significantly from more decentralized systems based on kinship ties or tribal structures.

8. Did ancient command economies lead to innovation? Innovation was often limited, hampered by the lack of competition and the focus on maintaining the existing social order.

9. What are the main differences between ancient and modern command economies? Modern systems often involve sophisticated bureaucratic structures and utilize advanced technology, unlike their ancient counterparts.


Related Articles:

1. The Mesopotamian Irrigation System: A Case Study in Collective Action: Explores the engineering and social organization of Mesopotamian irrigation, highlighting its link to centralized control.

2. Ancient Egyptian Bureaucracy and its Economic Role: Delves into the structure and functions of the Egyptian bureaucracy, emphasizing its impact on resource management.

3. The Inca Road System and its Economic Significance: Examines the Inca road network and its crucial role in facilitating trade and control across the empire.

4. Corvée Labor in Ancient Civilizations: A Comparative Perspective: Compares different forms of compulsory labor across various ancient societies.

5. The Role of Religion in Ancient Economic Systems: Investigates the intersection of religion and economics in shaping ancient economic structures.

6. Ancient Economies and Technological Innovation: Analyzes the relationship between technological advancements and economic growth in ancient societies.

7. Social Stratification in Ancient Command Economies: Examines the social hierarchies and inequalities that characterized ancient command economies.

8. The Fall of Ancient Empires and the Collapse of their Economic Systems: Investigates the factors leading to the decline and collapse of ancient command economies.

9. Lessons from Ancient Economies: Implications for Modern Economic Policy: Discusses the relevance of ancient economic systems to contemporary debates about economic policy and governance.


  ancient command economy: The Making of the Ancient Greek Economy Alain Bresson, 2015-11-03 A revolutionary account of the ancient Greek economy This comprehensive introduction to the ancient Greek economy revolutionizes our understanding of the subject and its possibilities. Alain Bresson is one of the world's leading authorities in the field, and he is helping to redefine it. Here he combines a thorough knowledge of ancient sources with innovative new approaches grounded in recent economic historiography to provide a detailed picture of the Greek economy between the last century of the Archaic Age and the closing of the Hellenistic period. Focusing on the city-state, which he sees as the most important economic institution in the Greek world, Bresson addresses all of the city-states rather than only Athens. An expanded and updated English edition of an acclaimed work originally published in French, the book offers a groundbreaking new theoretical framework for studying the economy of ancient Greece; presents a masterful survey and analysis of the most important economic institutions, resources, and other factors; and addresses some major historiographical debates. Among the many topics covered are climate, demography, transportation, agricultural production, market institutions, money and credit, taxes, exchange, long-distance trade, and economic growth. The result is an unparalleled demonstration that, unlike just a generation ago, it is possible today to study the ancient Greek economy as an economy and not merely as a secondary aspect of social or political history. This is essential reading for students, historians of antiquity, and economic historians of all periods.
  ancient command economy: The World System Barry Gills, Andre Gunder Frank, 2014-04-04 The historic long term economic interconnections of the world are now universally accepted. The idea of the economic 'world system' advanced by Immanuel Wallerstein has set the period of linkage in the early modern period but Andre Gunder Frank and Barry K. Gills think that this date is much too late. They argue an interconnection going back as much as 5000 years. In The World System, leading academics examine this issue, in a debate contributed to by William H. McNeill and Immanuel Wallerstein among others.
  ancient command economy: The Roman Market Economy Peter Temin, 2013 The quality of life for ordinary Roman citizens at the height of the Roman Empire probably was better than that of any other large group of people living before the Industrial Revolution. The Roman Market Economy uses the tools of modern economics to show how trade, markets, and the Pax Romana were critical to ancient Rome's prosperity.Peter Temin, one of the world's foremost economic historians, argues that markets dominated the Roman economy. He traces how the Pax Romana encouraged trade around the Mediterranean, and how Roman law promoted commerce and banking. Temin shows that a reasonably vibrant market for wheat extended throughout the empire, and suggests that the Antonine Plague may have been responsible for turning the stable prices of the early empire into the persistent inflation of the late. He vividly describes how various markets operated in Roman times, from commodities and slaves to the buying and selling of land. Applying modern methods for evaluating economic growth to data culled from historical sources, Temin argues that Roman Italy in the second century was as prosperous as the Dutch Republic in its golden age of the seventeenth century.The Roman Market Economy reveals how economics can help us understand how the Roman Empire could have ruled seventy million people and endured for centuries.
  ancient command economy: Human Ecology Economics Roy E. Allen, 2007-10-11 Written by a leading commentator, this book helps economists rethink the boundaries and methods of their discipline, allowing them to participate more fully in debates over humankinds present problems and the ways that they can be solved.
  ancient command economy: The Ancient Economy Moses I. Finley, 1973 The Ancient Economy holds pride of place among the handful of genuinely influential works of ancient history. This is Finley at the height of his remarkable powers and in his finest role as historical iconoclast and intellectual provocateur. It should be required reading for every student of pre-modern modes of production, exchange, and consumption.--Josiah Ober, author of Political Dissent in Democratic Athens
  ancient command economy: Between Command and Market Elisa Levi Sabattini, Christian Schwermann, 2021 Ancient Chinese economic thought has never been related to the evidence of economic practice. We know how state economies were supposed to be run in theory, but not the degree to which economic thought reflected everyday economic activity. Moreover, it is still not clear to what extent economic thought constituted a separate field of inquiry and was independent of fundamental cultural notions or political considerations. Finally, why was there so much more sustained interest in political economy in China than anywhere else? This book sets out to consider such questions through contextualised analyses of both received and newly excavated sources on economic thought and practice. Contributors are Paul R. Goldin, Yohei Kakinuma, Maxim Korolkov, Elisa Levi Sabattini, Andrew Meyer, Yuri Pines, Christian Schwermann, Hans van Ess, and Robin D.S. Yates--
  ancient command economy: An Economic History of Twentieth-Century Europe Ivan T. Berend, 2006-04-20 A major history of economic regimes and economic performance throughout the twentieth century. Ivan T. Berend looks at the historic development of the twentieth-century European economy, examining both its failures and its successes in responding to the challenges of this crisis-ridden and troubled but highly successful age. The book surveys the European economy's chronological development, the main factors of economic growth, and the various economic regimes that were invented and introduced in Europe during the twentieth century. Professor Berend shows how the vast disparity between the European regions that had characterized earlier periods gradually began to disappear during the course of the twentieth century as more and more countries reached a more or less similar level of economic development. This accessible book will be required reading for students in European economic history, economics, and modern European history.
  ancient command economy: Focus Sarapage McCorkle, Bonnie T. Meszaros, Sandra J. Odorzynski, George Horwich, Mark C. Schug, Michael W. Watts, 2001 Students use a comparative approach to explore concepts and materials that are frequently neglected in other economics courses. An introductory essay provides background information to the 12 classroomready lessons.
  ancient command economy: Principles of Economics 3e Steven A. Greenlaw, David Shapiro, Daniel MacDonald, 2022-12-06 Principles of Economics 3e covers the scope and sequence of most introductory economics courses. The third edition takes a balanced approach to the theory and application of economics concepts. The text uses conversational language and ample illustrations to explore economic theories, and provides a wide array of examples using both fictional and real-world scenarios. The third edition has been carefully and thoroughly updated to reflect current data and understanding, as well as to provide a deeper background in diverse contributors and their impacts on economic thought and analysis. For example, the third edition highlights the research and views of a broader group of economists. Brief references and deeply explored socio-political examples have been updated to showcase the critical – and sometimes unnoticed – ties between economic developments and topics relevant to students. This is an adaptation of Principles of Economics 3e by OpenStax. You can access the textbook for free at openstax.org. Minor editorial changes were made to ensure a better ebook reading experience. Textbook content produced by OpenStax is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
  ancient command economy: Oxford Bibliographies ,
  ancient command economy: Urban Life in the Distant Past Michael Smith, 2023-02-28 The book describes a novel approach to early cities that is transdisciplinary, scientific, historical, and based on social-science knowledge.
  ancient command economy: BULGARIA NARAYAN CHANGDER, 2023-01-07 THE BULGARIA MCQ (MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS) SERVES AS A VALUABLE RESOURCE FOR INDIVIDUALS AIMING TO DEEPEN THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF VARIOUS COMPETITIVE EXAMS, CLASS TESTS, QUIZ COMPETITIONS, AND SIMILAR ASSESSMENTS. WITH ITS EXTENSIVE COLLECTION OF MCQS, THIS BOOK EMPOWERS YOU TO ASSESS YOUR GRASP OF THE SUBJECT MATTER AND YOUR PROFICIENCY LEVEL. BY ENGAGING WITH THESE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS, YOU CAN IMPROVE YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE SUBJECT, IDENTIFY AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT, AND LAY A SOLID FOUNDATION. DIVE INTO THE BULGARIA MCQ TO EXPAND YOUR BULGARIA KNOWLEDGE AND EXCEL IN QUIZ COMPETITIONS, ACADEMIC STUDIES, OR PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS. THE ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS ARE PROVIDED AT THE END OF EACH PAGE, MAKING IT EASY FOR PARTICIPANTS TO VERIFY THEIR ANSWERS AND PREPARE EFFECTIVELY.
  ancient command economy: State and Economy in Ancient Egypt David Warburton, 1997 Combining philological investigation and theoretical reasoning, this book offers a completely new interpretation of the economic role of the state in ancient Egypt. The first part provides background outlining the relevance of Keynes General Theory to the ancient Egyptian economy. The central part uses ancient Egyptian texts as the foundation of an analysis of words commonly assumed to relate to taxation during the New Kingdom (c. 15401070 B.C.E.). The conclusions summarize the philological results and explore the role of the temples in the ancient Egyptian state during the New Kingdom. The result places ancient Egyptian taxation and state economic activity in a market context, opening a new path to the understanding of the ancient Egyptian economy based on an analysis of primary sources.
  ancient command economy: A Companion to Ancient Greek Government Hans Beck, 2013-01-22 This comprehensive volume details the variety of constitutions and types of governing bodies in the ancient Greek world. A collection of original scholarship on ancient Greek governing structures and institutions Explores the multiple manifestations of state action throughout the Greek world Discusses the evolution of government from the Archaic Age to the Hellenistic period, ancient typologies of government, its various branches, principles and procedures and realms of governance Creates a unique synthesis on the spatial and memorial connotations of government by combining the latest institutional research with more recent trends in cultural scholarship
  ancient command economy: Principles of Economics Volume 1 of 2 Textbook Equity Edition, 2014-03-31 This is Volume 1 of 2, covering Chapters 1 - 23 of 34 chapters. Volume 2 covers chapters 24 - 34 plus the appendices. See WWW.textbookequity.org/principles-of-economics Excerpt: Principles of Economics is designed for a two-semester principles of economics sequence. The text has been developed to meet the scope and sequence of most introductory courses. At the same time, the book includes a number of innovative features designed to enhance student learning. Instructors can also customize the book, adapting it to the approach that works best in their classroom. The pedagogical choices, chapter arrangements, and learning objective fulfillment were developed and vetted with feedback from educators dedicated to the project. They thoroughly read the material and offered critical and detailed commentary. The outcome is a balanced approach to micro and macro economics, to both Keynesian and classical views, and to the theory and application of economics concepts.
  ancient command economy: Economy and Modern Christian Thought Devin Singh, 2022-03-28 This study examines the relationship between Christian thought and economy and raises philosophical, theological, and ethical issues that result from the engagement, and points the way to emerging research at this nexus.
  ancient command economy: Principles of Macroeconomics 3e David Shapiro, Daniel MacDonald, Steven A. Greenlaw, 2024-08-23 Principles of Macroeconomics 3e covers the scope and sequence of most one semester introductory macroeconomics courses. The third edition takes a balanced approach to the theory and application of macroeconomics concepts. The text uses conversational language and ample illustrations to explore economic theories, and provides a wide array of examples using both fictional and real-world scenarios. The third edition has been carefully and thoroughly updated to reflect current data and understanding, as well as to provide a deeper background in diverse contributors and their impacts on economic thought and analysis. For example, the third edition highlights the research and views of a broader group of economists. Brief references and deeply explored socio-political examples have also been updated to showcase the critical – and sometimes unnoticed – ties between economic developments and topics relevant to students. This is an adaptation of Principles of Macroeconomics 3e by OpenStax. You can access the textbook for free at openstax.org. Minor editorial changes were made to ensure a better ebook reading experience. Textbook content produced by OpenStax is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
  ancient command economy: The Handbook of Economic Sociology Neil J. Smelser, Richard Swedberg, 2010-07-28 The Handbook of Economic Sociology, Second Edition is the most comprehensive and up-to-date treatment of economic sociology available. The first edition, copublished in 1994 by Princeton University Press and the Russell Sage Foundation as a synthesis of the burgeoning field of economic sociology, soon established itself as the definitive presentation of the field, and has been widely read, reviewed, and adopted. Since then, the field of economic sociology has continued to grow by leaps and bounds and to move into new theoretical and empirical territory. The second edition, while being as all-embracing in its coverage as the first edition, represents a wholesale revamping. Neil Smelser and Richard Swedberg have kept the main overall framework intact, but nearly two-thirds of the chapters are new or have new authors. As in the first edition, they bring together leading sociologists as well as representatives of other social sciences. But the thirty chapters of this volume incorporate many substantial thematic changes and new lines of research--for example, more focus on international and global concerns, chapters on institutional analysis, the transition from socialist economies, organization and networks, and the economic sociology of the ancient world. The Handbook of Economic Sociology, Second Edition is the definitive resource on what continues to be one of the leading edges of sociology and one of its most important interdisciplinary adventures. It is a must read for all faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates doing work in the field. A thoroughly revised and updated version of the most comprehensive treatment of economic sociology available Almost two-thirds of the chapters are new or have new authors Authors include leading sociologists as well as representatives of other social sciences Substantial thematic changes and new lines of research, including more focus on international and global concerns, institutional analysis, the transition from socialist economies, and organization and networks The definitive resource on what continues to be one of the leading edges of sociology and one of its most important interdisciplinary adventures A must read for faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates doing work in the field
  ancient command economy: Great Economic Thinkers from Antiquity to the Historical School Bertram Schefold, 2016-03-31 This book contains commentaries from the series Klassiker der Nationalökonomie (classics of economics), which have been translated into English for the first time. This selection focuses on neglected, but notable writers in a deserted sub-discipline, localising the beginning of economic science not with Adam Smith, but with the moral question of usury and the good life in Antiquity. Bertram Schefold’s choice of authors for the Klassiker series, which he has edited since 1991, and his comments on the various re-edited works are proof of his highly original and thought-provoking interpretation of the history of economic thought (HET). This volume is an important contribution to HET not only because it delivers original and fresh insights about such well-known figures as Aristotle, Jevons or Wicksell, but also because it deals with authors and ideas who have been forgotten or neglected in the previous literature. In this regard Schefold’s book could prove to be seminal for the field of the history of economic thought, for in the age of globalisation our usual restriction to the thinkers of Western Europe and the USA might eventually be overcome. This book will give the reader a far broader view of economics compared to that of the latest research. This volume is suitable for those who are interested in and study history of economic thought as well as economic theory and philosophy.
  ancient command economy: The Construction of Value in the Ancient World John K. Papadopoulos, Gary Urton, 2012 Recipient of the Jo Anne Stolaroff Cotsen Prize Scholars from Aristotle to Marx and beyond have been fascinated by the question of what constitutes value. The Construction of Value in the Ancient World makes a significant contribution to this ongoing inquiry, bringing together in one comprehensive volume the perspectives of leading anthropologists, archaeologists, historians, linguists, philologists, and sociologists on how value was created, defined, and expressed in a number of ancient societies around the world. Based on the basic premise that value is a social construct defined by the cultural context in which it is situated, the volume explores four overarching but closely interrelated themes: place value, body value, object value, and number value. The questions raised and addressed are of central importance to archaeologists studying ancient civilizations: How can we understand the value that might have been accorded to materials, objects, people, places, and patterns of action by those who produced or used the things that compose the human material record? Taken as a whole, the contributions to this volume demonstrate how the concept of value lies at the intersection of individual and collective tastes, desires, sentiments, and attitudes that inform the ways people select, or give priority to, one thing over another.
  ancient command economy: The Ancient Greek Economy Edward M. Harris, David M. Lewis, Mark Woolmer, 2016 Markets, Households and City-States in the Ancient Greek Economy brings together sixteen essays by leading scholars of the ancient Greek economy. The essays investigate the role of market-exchange in the economy of the ancient Greek world in the Classical and Hellenistic periods.
  ancient command economy: Eurasia at the Dawn of History Manuel Fernández-Götz, Dirk Krausse, 2016 This book is an interdisciplinary study of the development of the first cities and early state formations of ancient Eurasia.
  ancient command economy: The Rise and Fall of Classical Greece Josiah Ober, 2016-10-04 A major new history of classical Greece—how it rose, how it fell, and what we can learn from it Lord Byron described Greece as great, fallen, and immortal, a characterization more apt than he knew. Through most of its long history, Greece was poor. But in the classical era, Greece was densely populated and highly urbanized. Many surprisingly healthy Greeks lived in remarkably big houses and worked for high wages at specialized occupations. Middle-class spending drove sustained economic growth and classical wealth produced a stunning cultural efflorescence lasting hundreds of years. Why did Greece reach such heights in the classical period—and why only then? And how, after the Greek miracle had endured for centuries, did the Macedonians defeat the Greeks, seemingly bringing an end to their glory? Drawing on a massive body of newly available data and employing novel approaches to evidence, Josiah Ober offers a major new history of classical Greece and an unprecedented account of its rise and fall. Ober argues that Greece's rise was no miracle but rather the result of political breakthroughs and economic development. The extraordinary emergence of citizen-centered city-states transformed Greece into a society that defeated the mighty Persian Empire. Yet Philip and Alexander of Macedon were able to beat the Greeks in the Battle of Chaeronea in 338 BCE, a victory made possible by the Macedonians' appropriation of Greek innovations. After Alexander's death, battle-hardened warlords fought ruthlessly over the remnants of his empire. But Greek cities remained populous and wealthy, their economy and culture surviving to be passed on to the Romans—and to us. A compelling narrative filled with uncanny modern parallels, this is a book for anyone interested in how great civilizations are born and die. This book is based on evidence available on a new interactive website. To learn more, please visit: http://polis.stanford.edu/.
  ancient command economy: Politics Between Nations Adebowale Akande, 2023-06-27 This multidisciplinary volume examines the meaning of global conflict and cooperation by international actors that can be caused by dis- or misinformation to people and discusses how to build diplomacy for peace and regional cooperation. The book further identifies boundaries of the relationships among the various governments of the world, transatlantic alliances, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, transnational corporations, and the overall interdependence of nations in the making of the modern world. Topics discussed in this volume include diplomacy, international relations theory, Eurasia politics, European Union, Brexit, Taliban taking over of Kabul government, and the ongoing Afghanistan conflict, terrorism, ISIS and Al Qaeda, international law, international organizations, interstate and intrastate war, threats and challenges, global civil society, religion, and culture. The volume advances contemporary theories and concepts to explain these issues concerning peoples and cultures in the complex world we live in. The book is a must-read for students, researchers, and scholars of international relations, political science, political history, political geography, economics, and law in general, as well as diplomacy, political communication, and security studies in particular.
  ancient command economy: The Oxford Encyclopedia of Economic History Joel Mokyr, 2003-10-16 What were the economic roots of modern industrialism? Were labor unions ever effective in raising workers' living standards? Did high levels of taxation in the past normally lead to economic decline? These and similar questions profoundly inform a wide range of intertwined social issues whose complexity, scope, and depth become fully evident in the Encyclopedia. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the field, the Encyclopedia is divided not only by chronological and geographic boundaries, but also by related subfields such as agricultural history, demographic history, business history, and the histories of technology, migration, and transportation. The articles, all written and signed by international contributors, include scholars from Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Covering economic history in all areas of the world and segments of ecnomies from prehistoric times to the present, The Oxford Encyclopedia of Economic History is the ideal resource for students, economists, and general readers, offering a unique glimpse into this integral part of world history.
  ancient command economy: The Critique of Archaeological Economy Stefanos Gimatzidis, Reinhard Jung, 2021-06-14 This book studies past economics from anthropological, archaeological, historical and sociological perspectives. By analyzing archeological and other evidence, it examines economic behavior and institutions in ancient societies. Adopting an interdisciplinary perspective, it critically discusses dominant economic models that have influenced the study of past economic relations in various disciplines, while at the same time highlighting alternative theoretical trajectories. In this regard, the book’s goal is not only to test theoretical models under scrutiny, but also to present evidence against the rationalization of past economic behavior according to the rules of modern markets. The contributing authors cover various topics, such as trade in the classical Greek world, concepts of commodity and value, and management of economic affluence.
  ancient command economy: Economics 101, 2nd Edition Michele Cagan, Alfred Mill, 2024-06-11 Discover the ins and outs of the economy with this engaging, informative, and easy-to-navigate 2nd edition guide with all-new entries and updates. Too often, textbooks turn the noteworthy details of economics into tedious discourse that would put even Joseph Stiglitz to sleep. This new edition of Economics 101 cuts out the boring explanations and instead provides a hands-on lesson that keeps you engaged as you explore how societies allocate their resources for maximum benefit. From quantitative easing to marginal utility, this primer is packed with hundreds of entertaining tidbits and concepts that you won’t be able to get anywhere else. You’ll learn the basics on terms such as monopolies and oligopolies, game theory, inflation, price ceilings, and so much more. Have you ever wondered about the origin of banking or how banks create money? This book has all the answers. Whether you’re looking to master major principles of finance or just want to learn more about why money matters, Economics 101 has all the answers—even the ones you didn’t know you were looking for.
  ancient command economy: The Experience Economy B. Joseph Pine, James H. Gilmore, 1999 This text seeks to raise the curtain on competitive pricing strategies and asserts that businesses often miss their best opportunity for providing consumers with what they want - an experience. It presents a strategy for companies to script and stage the experiences provided by their products.
  ancient command economy: How the West Won Rodney Stark, 2023-07-11 Finally the Truth about the Rise of the West Modernity developed only in the West—in Europe and North America. Nowhere else did science and democracy arise; nowhere else was slavery outlawed. Only Westerners invented chimneys, musical scores, telescopes, eyeglasses, pianos, electric lights, aspirin, and soap. The question is, Why? Unfortunately, that question has become so politically incorrect that most scholars avoid it. But acclaimed author Rodney Stark provides the answers in this sweeping new look at Western civilization. How the West Won demonstrates the primacy of uniquely Western ideas—among them the belief in free will, the commitment to the pursuit of knowledge, the notion that the universe functions according to rational rules that can be dis­covered, and the emphasis on human freedom and secure property rights. Taking readers on a thrilling journey from ancient Greece to the present, Stark challenges much of the received wisdom about Western history. Stark also debunks absurd fabrications that have flourished in the past few decades: that the Greeks stole their culture from Africa; that the West’s “discoveries” were copied from the Chinese and Muslims; that Europe became rich by plundering the non-Western world. At the same time, he reveals the woeful inadequacy of recent attempts to attribute the rise of the West to purely material causes—favorable climates, abundant natural resources, guns and steel. How the West Won displays Rodney Stark’s gifts for lively narrative history and making the latest scholarship accessible to all readers. This bold, insightful book will force you to rethink your understanding of the West and the birth of modernity—and to recognize that Western civilization really has set itself apart from other cultures.
  ancient command economy: Tigris and Euphrates Rivers: Their Environment from Headwaters to Mouth Laith A. Jawad, 2021-09-12 The system of the Tigris-Euphrates Rivers is one of the great river systems of southwestern Asia. It comprises the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, which follow roughly parallel courses through the heart of the Middle East. The lower portion of the region that they run through is known as Mesopotamia, was one of the cradles of civilisation. There are several environmental factors that govern the nature of the two rivers and shape the landscape the two rivers running through. Geological events create rivers, climate monitor the water supply, the surrounding land influences the vegetation and the physical and chemical features of water. The Tigris-Euphrates system runs through the territory of four countries, Iraq, Iran, Turkey and Syria. Therefore, any scientific approach to the environment of these two rivers should include the natural history events in these countries. The book Tigris and Euphrates Rivers: Their Environment from Headwaters to Mouth will be divided into nine parts. These parts deal with the issues of the environment, the status of the flora and fauna, the abiotic aspects, ecology, hydrological regime of the two rivers, the biotic aspects. Water resources, stress of the environment, conservation issues. Since the book of Julian Rzoska Euphrates and Tigris Mesopotamian Ecology and Destiny in 1980, no book or major reference has been published that includes between its cover the facts and information that the present book will present. Therefore, the importance of the present book falls in stating the present status of the environment of the two rivers and the comparison of their environment between now and that of 37 years ago as given by J. Rzoska (1980). The recent studies showed that there are a large number of natural and political events that happened within the last three decades in the area of the Tigris-Euphrates river system that for sure have done a great change to the environment of the two rivers and consequently changing the biological and non-biological resources of the two rivers. This book will be a reference book to both Academic and students across the Middle East in different disciplines of knowledge to use in their researches on Tigris-Euphrates river system. The scholars interested in this area will use this book as a guide to compare this freshwater system with other areas in Asia and the world.
  ancient command economy: Economic Theory and the Roman Monetary Economy Colin P. Elliott, 2020-02-20 Reconceptualizes economic theory as a tool for understanding the Roman monetary system and its social and cultural contexts.
  ancient command economy: Social Problems in a Free Society Myles J. Kelleher, 2004 The future of the sociologist's profession is jeopardized by an ongoing trend toward the politicization of sociology and the radicalization of social problems. This book calls for the rethinking of the culture of social, political, and economic liberty to create a resurgence of a sociological agenda. Social Problems in a Free Society offers an original perspective on social problems such as violations of the principles of individual rights and the free market. This book is a vision for reinvigorating the discipline in a fashion undreamt of within the wearisome strains of today's radical social problems theory.
  ancient command economy: Visitor Management Myra Shackley, 2009-11-03 'Visitor Management' is an innovative collection of case studies taken from cultural World Heritage Sites. Using examples from the world's most significant archaeological and architectural legacies this book identifies the problems involved with site management. Cultural World Heritage Sites are extremely attractive to contemporary visitors. This poses many problems for site management, notably the need to preserve a delicate balance between interpretation, conservation and the provision of visitor facilities. This contributed title takes examples from a range of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and shows models of good practice looking at the functions of the different organizations involved and the range of variation among sites. The contributors have international expertise and draw on first-hand knowledge at a practical level. 'Visitor Management: Case studies from World Heritage Sites' is ideal for practitioners and students involved in heritage management and conservation management. Undergraduate and postgraduate students in tourism, leisure and hospitality will also find this book an invaluable read. Myra Shackley is Professor of Culture Resource Management and Head of the Centre for Tourism and Visitor Management at Nottingham Trent University. Her research interests lie in the management of cultural and wildlife tourism, particularly in relation to Protected Areas and World Heritage Sites. She has published eleven previous books, of which the last was 'Wildlife Tourism' (International Thompson Business Press, 1996) and has extensive research and consultancy interests within the field of visitor management.
  ancient command economy: The Classroom Mini-Economy Council for Economic Education, 1996 The Classroom MiniEconomy is a handson form of instruction that prepares students to function in today's rapidly changing and interdependent world. This guide shows teachers how to implement the MiniEconomy in their classrooms with an advanced section dedicated to middle school classes.
  ancient command economy: Wake Up Indian Leaders TP Panta, 2019-12-27 This book is about how India can become an Alternative of the Failed Communism and the Speedily Failing Democracy and Economy of the Millennial Global Society through following its own original economic and democratic systems which follows the universal laws of sociological and geographical changes. As Indian leaders are physically running more than necessary violently, but ideologically they have been sleeping for the long time down up to the present, this book is the voice If you understand and follow your own originality, the Upcoming Supreme Leadership of New Millennial Global Society Is Yours. together with a loudly alarming bell to wake up them from their deep sleep.
  ancient command economy: The Origins of Globalization Karl Moore, David Charles Lewis, 2009-06-02 Origins of Globalization draws widely on ancient sources and modern economic theory to detail the concept of “known world” globalization, arguing that a mixed economy--similar in many respects to our own--existed in a variety of forms throughout the ancient world. By analyzing the business practices of the ancient world--phenomena such as resource and market seeking behavior, international trade from China, India and Rome, to Africa and even northern and western parts of Europe, Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs) operating internationally and outsourcing production, multicultural workforces, tariff reduced zones, interregional tax issues, and the management of currency risks--the authors provide readers with a unique historical interpretation of the contemporary globalizing economy and a durable theoretical framework for future historical economic analyses.
  ancient command economy: The Last Pharaohs J. G. Manning, 2009-11-02 The history of Ptolemaic Egypt has usually been doubly isolated--separated both from the history of other Hellenistic states and from the history of ancient Egypt. The Last Pharaohs, the first detailed history of Ptolemaic Egypt as a state, departs radically from previous studies by putting the Ptolemaic state firmly in the context of both Hellenistic and Egyptian history. More broadly still, J. G. Manning examines the Ptolemaic dynasty in the context of the study of authoritarian and premodern states, shifting the focus of study away from modern European nation-states and toward ancient Asian ones. By analyzing Ptolemaic reforms of Egyptian economic and legal structures, The Last Pharaohs gauges the impact of Ptolemaic rule on Egypt and the relationships that the Ptolemaic kings formed with Egyptian society. Manning argues that the Ptolemies sought to rule through--rather than over--Egyptian society. He tells how the Ptolemies, adopting a pharaonic model of governance, shaped Egyptian society and in turn were shaped by it. Neither fully Greek nor wholly Egyptian, the Ptolemaic state within its core Egyptian territory was a hybrid that departed from but did not break with Egyptian history. Integrating the latest research on archaeology, papyrology, theories of the state, and legal history, as well as Hellenistic and Egyptian history, The Last Pharaohs draws a dramatically new picture of Egypt's last ancient state.
  ancient command economy: World System History Robert. A Denemark, Jonathan Friedman, Barry K. Gills, George Modelski, 2002-09-26 This extraordinary book presents a refreshing and innovative overview of the changes to the global system over the last 5000 years. Featuring renowned contributors - each specialists in their field - this is the only volume to offer so co-ordinated a study of continuity and change in the global social, economic and political system. Key areas covered include: * International Political Economy - Robert A. Denemark * Archaeology - Jonathan Freidman * Economic development - Andre Gunder Frank * History - George Modelski * Sociology - Christopher Chase-Dunn
  ancient command economy: RRB Stenographer 15 Practice Sets and Solved Papers Book for 2021 Exam with Latest Pattern and Detailed Explanation by Rama Publishers Rama Publishers, 2021-10-19 Book Type - Practice Sets / Solved Papers About Exam: RRB is Railway recruitment Board Conducts Stenographer Recruitment for Ministerial Staff and Isolated Category Staff. In this Recruitment There are many Post. Subjects Covered - General intelligence & Reasoning. Exam Patterns – Online Written Exam will be Multiple Choice Objective Type. The Question Paper for Single Stage CBT will be of 90 minutes duration for 100 questions and 120 minutes for PwBD candidates who are availing the Scribe facility. There shall be negative marking for incorrect answer in CBTs. Deduction of 1/3rd of the marks allotted for each question shall be made for each wrong answer. The standard of questions for the Single Stage CBT will be generally in conformity with the educational standards prescribed for the posts. Negative Marking – 1/3 Conducting Body- Railway Recruitment Board (RRB)
  ancient command economy: The Classroom Mini-economy Harlan R. Day, Council for Economic Education, 2006 The Classroom MiniEconomy is a handson form of instruction that prepares students to function in today's rapidly changing and interdependent world. This guide shows teachers how to implement the MiniEconomy in their classrooms with an advanced section dedicated to middle school classes.