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Socio-political conflict, social distance, and rent extraction in historical perspective

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  • Thaize Challier, M.-Christine

Abstract

This paper uses French historical data covering four centuries to investigate how social distance, rent extraction, and pressure for reforms affect socio-political conflict. Social distance in itself does not systematically lead to socio-political conflict. Robust evidence is presented indicating that discretionary taxation spurs political violence more so than discretionary public spending. A peaceful rather than confrontational period is conducive for implementing reforms to enhance local democracy and reduce social inequality sought by ordinary inhabitants.

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  • Thaize Challier, M.-Christine, 2010. "Socio-political conflict, social distance, and rent extraction in historical perspective," European Journal of Political Economy, Elsevier, vol. 26(1), pages 51-67, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:poleco:v:26:y:2010:i:1:p:51-67
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    1. Dmitriy Veselov & Alexander Yarkin, 2015. "The Great Divergence Revisited: Industrialization, Inequality and Political Conflict in the Unified Growth Model," HSE Working papers WP BRP 118/EC/2015, National Research University Higher School of Economics.
    2. Baten, Joerg & Mumme, Christina, 2013. "Does inequality lead to civil wars? A global long-term study using anthropometric indicators (1816–1999)," European Journal of Political Economy, Elsevier, vol. 32(C), pages 56-79.

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