We discuss this in Misaligned States part of the Gradual Disempowerment (the thesis you mention is explored in much detail in Tilly (1990). Coercion, Capital, and European States, AD 990-1990).
I don’t think the violence is particularly unique source of power—in my view forms of power are somewhat convertible (ie if a rentier state does not derive income from taxation, it can hire mercenaries to pacify the population).
Also, empirically: military power is already quite concentrated—modern militaries are not that large but would be able to pacify much larger popular unrest, if they had the will to do so. But this is kept in check in part by econ power and in part by culture.
I mostly agree with your writings, my comment was mostly a reply to Barnett :-)
Also, empirically: military power is already quite concentrated—modern militaries are not that large but would be able to pacify much larger popular unrest, if they had the will to do so.
This seems like missing the point a bit. For example, Russia right now is trying to stimulate population growth to get more soldiers. It needs people to shoot the guns. That’s the deciding factor of modernity to me, and kicking it out will lead to bad things. The fact that Russia can pacify internal unrest (which is also true) doesn’t affect the thesis much.
We discuss this in Misaligned States part of the Gradual Disempowerment (the thesis you mention is explored in much detail in Tilly (1990). Coercion, Capital, and European States, AD 990-1990).
I don’t think the violence is particularly unique source of power—in my view forms of power are somewhat convertible (ie if a rentier state does not derive income from taxation, it can hire mercenaries to pacify the population).
Also, empirically: military power is already quite concentrated—modern militaries are not that large but would be able to pacify much larger popular unrest, if they had the will to do so. But this is kept in check in part by econ power and in part by culture.
I mostly agree with your writings, my comment was mostly a reply to Barnett :-)
This seems like missing the point a bit. For example, Russia right now is trying to stimulate population growth to get more soldiers. It needs people to shoot the guns. That’s the deciding factor of modernity to me, and kicking it out will lead to bad things. The fact that Russia can pacify internal unrest (which is also true) doesn’t affect the thesis much.