In Search of How Societies Work

Ronfeldt, David (2007-01-10). In Search of How Societies Work (Report). Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, The. p. 102.

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Abstract: This paper is the latest in a string of efforts to develop a theoretical framework about social evolution, based on how people and their societies use four major forms of organization: tribes, hierarchical institutions, markets, and networks. The effort began over ten years ago, when it first struck me that there may be only three or four major forms of organization (Ronfeldt, 1993, 1996). It has proceeded on a part-time basis since then. The eventual goal is a book-length elaboration of the framework. This installment focuses on the tribal form. It also provides a lead-off chapter that sketches the entire framework, plus a “rethinking” chapter that shows why I think social evolution revolves around four forms of organization. I expect these to be the opening chapters of the eventual book-length study. An appendix reprints three op-ed pieces that sprang from my efforts to understand the tribal form and its continuing relevance.

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