3 ms·
The statement that r>>g, except during periods of wartime, suggests a Peter Turchin-esque conclusion. The ruling class sets the rules such that r>>g, whatever
by rossdavidh 8y ago
The statement that r>>g, except during periods of wartime, suggests a Peter Turchin-esque conclusion. The ruling class sets the rules such that r>>g, whatever rules are required to make that happen, unless they are engaged in a large military struggle such that they need the masses on their side.
- fjsolwmv 8y agoIt seems a bit strange to say that the ruling classes would pay workers more to support a war. Another possibility is that war decimates the return of capital because speculative investments fail due to instability, but basic and well established needs (the "real" economy") still get funded because people still want to eat.
- rossdavidh 8y agoI think that, in many cases, the ruling classes worry more about morale (and it's extreme failure, revolution) when there is a war on. But, you raise a good point about other impacts. You care more about factories and farms if you need war material and soldiers' rations.
- antt 8y agoYou ignore the destruction of capital war causes. Germany in 1945 had maybe three bricks still stacked on top of each other, but had lost less than 20% of its prewar population.
- antt 8y agoIn 1875 the great power of the world were the UK, France, Austria-Hungary, Russia, Germany, USA, China, Japan, Turkey. Half of those countries are not on the list, thus we truly underestimate the effect of wars and revolutions on r>>g.