The Good Fight James C. Scott on The Perils of State Power
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Aug 31, 2024 In a profound discussion with Yascha Mounk, renowned anthropologist James C. Scott reflects on the perils of state power. He challenges the notion of state benevolence, urging listeners to rethink its historical role and often exploitative nature. Scott delves into the resilience of Myanmar's youth-led democratic movement, offering insight into the country's struggles under military rule. He also entertains the idea of giving 'two cheers' for anarchism, emphasizing the necessity to advocate for more equitable social democracies amidst capitalist challenges.
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Welfare States Are Contingent Achievements
- James C. Scott argues welfare states are recent and fragile achievements shaped by crises.
- Emancipatory state actions often happen 'with a pistol at their temple', pressured by revolt or crisis.
States Emerged From Floodplain Grain Economies
- Scott notes states are a late invention tied to river floodplains and grain agriculture.
- Concentrated grain and population made extraction and state formation possible.
Agriculture Often Worsened Early Human Health
- Early agricultural states produced worse health outcomes than hunter-gatherer life.
- Skeletons show more malnutrition and interrupted growth in early states.