Inter-Societal Dynamics: Toward a General Theory

The book by Jonathan Turner and Anthony Roberts proposes a new theoretical approach for explaining the dynamics of inter-societal systems, emphasizing the reluctance to theorize complex abstract models and systems of explanatory propositions. It critically looks at contemporary theorizing and reviews key theories developed to explain geo-economic, geo-political, and geo-cultural dynamics, developing a theoretical synthesis through new models and propositions on the dynamics of premodern and modern inter-societal systems.

Format: Hardback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 02 March 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This book by Jonathan Turner and Anthony Roberts presents a novel theoretical framework for understanding the dynamics of inter-societal systems. The authors contend that inter-societal systems have existed since the dawn of human societies and that their dynamics constitute a fundamental characteristic of the social universe. While world-systems analysis has emphasized this latter point, the authors argue that the reluctance to theorize complex abstract models and systems of explanatory propositions on the dynamics driving inter-societal systems hinders scientific explanation of inter-societal dynamics. In this context, the authors critically examine contemporary theorizing and review key theories that have been developed to explain geo-economic, geo-political, and geo-cultural dynamics, from the classical period through present-day world-systems analysis and cliometrics. The book concisely summarizes these theories, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately develops a theoretical synthesis through new models and propositions on the dynamics of premodern and modern inter-societal systems.

Professor Turner's extensive experience in writing theory books for undergraduates has ensured that this book presents abstract ideas clearly and with examples, enabling students to grasp the arguments. This book is a must-read for all social theory researchers, academics, serious undergraduate students, graduate students, and interested laypersons.

Weight: 571g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031124471
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023