In the seminar series Academic Hour the research program Contemporary Ethnography is proud to present:

 "The Earliest States: Grain and Forced Labor"
- by James Scott (Sterling Professor of Political Science at Yale University)

Abstract:

"History records no taro, cassava, sweet potato, chick pea, lentil or banana states (though there are Banana Republics!). Why? These are perfectly good starches some of which produce more calories for less work in a small space than any of the major grains. With the Inca as partly an exception (maize and potatoes), all early stats were based on millet, wheat, barley, rice and maize.  I argue that only these grains have the characteristics that make them suitable for the taxes, cadastral surveys, assessment, transportation, and rationing that are essential to early statecraft."

All are welcome.