About the Book: The Origins of Political Order: From Prehuman Times to the
French Revolution
A "New York Times" Notable Book for 2011 A "Globe and Mail" Best Books of the
Year 2011 TitleA "Kirkus Reviews" Best Nonfiction of 2011 title Virtually all
human societies were once organized tribally, yet over time most developed new
political institutions which included a central state that could keep the peace
and uniform laws that applied to all citizens. Some went on to create
governments that were accountable to their constituents. We take these
institutions for granted, but they are absent or are unable to perform in many
of today's developing countries--with