![]() Iyigun introduces the basic thesis in Chapter 1, citing an impressive array of relevant works from economics and sociology. ![]() Iyigun presents compelling empirical analyses to suggest that he is correct. The upshot is that monotheistic polities are strong, but conflict over religion is frequent - trumping other types of disagreements amongst co-religionists. Iyigun’s basic argument is the following: monotheism is good for social stability because it permits an ecclesiastical monopoly that can legitimize and constrain rule monotheistic societies therefore last longer and expand more rapidly but, they must eventually come into contact with each other, and the importance of the “one true God” dogma in monotheistic faith - the very element that makes monotheistic polities so successful in the first place - means that they are more likely to come into conflict once in contact. In War, Peace and Prosperity in the Name of God, Murat Iyigun of the University of Colorado presents a fascinating theory of the political and socio-economic consequences of monotheism on world economic history. Reviewed for EH.Net by Jared Rubin, Department of Economics, Chapman University. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2015. Murat Iyigun, War, Peace and Prosperity in the Name of God: The Ottoman Role in Europe’s Socioeconomic Evolution. War, Peace and Prosperity in the Name of God: The Ottoman Role in Europe’s Socioeconomic Evolution Author(s):
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