Conversations with Tyler Chris Blattman on War and Centralized Power
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May 4, 2022 Chris Blattman, an economist and political scientist at the University of Chicago, explores the political and institutional causes of war in his insightful discussion. He challenges traditional views on demographics as predictors of conflict, emphasizing accountability and societal sentiment in leadership. Blattman examines the fragile peace in Ireland, the complexities of Colombia's governance, and the unpredictable nature of war influenced by concentration of power. He also draws parallels between bouldering focus and budget decisions in development, introducing fascinating perspectives on conflict and cooperation.
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Concentrated Power & War
- The most important factor in predicting war is how concentrated power is in a country.
- This is often overlooked in favor of psychological explanations.
Polycentrism and War
- Polycentric systems, with multiple power centers, are less likely to go to war.
- This includes federalist systems and those restrained by international agreements.
Cyberattacks and Uncertainty
- Cyberattacks are more dangerous due to their ambiguity.
- Uncertainty about attribution can lead to miscalculations and escalation.
