Synopsis
In the tradition of Why Nations Fail, this book solves one of the great puzzles of history: Why did the West become the most powerful civilization in the world?
Western exceptionalism—the idea that European civilizations are freer, wealthier, and less violent—is a widespread and powerful political idea. It has been a source of peace and prosperity in some societies, and of ethnic cleansing and havoc in others.
Yet in The Invention of Power, Bruce Bueno de Mesquita draws on his expertise in political maneuvering, deal-making, and game theory to present a revolutionary new theory of Western exceptionalism: that a single, rarely discussed event in the twelfth century changed the course of European and world history. By creating a compromise between churches and nation-states that, in effect, traded money for power and power for money, the 1122 Concordat of Worms incentivized economic growth, facilitated secularization, and improved the lot of the citizenry, all of which set European countries on a course for prosperity. In the centuries since, countries that have had a similar dynamic of competition between church and state have been consistently better off than those that have not.
The Invention of Power upends conventional thinking about European culture, religion, and race and presents a persuasive new vision of world history.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
Bruce Bueno de Mesquita is the Julius Silver Professor of Politics at New York University and was director of its Alexander Hamilton Center for Political Economy from 2006-2016. He is the author of twenty-three books, including The Dictator's Handbook.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Other Popular Editions of the Same Title
Search results for The Invention of Power: Popes, Kings, and the Birth...
Stock Image
The Invention of Power: Popes, Kings, and the Birth of the West
Seller: Your Online Bookstore, Houston, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
hardcover. Condition: Good. Seller Inventory # 1541768752-3-35136031
Seller Image
The Invention of Power: Popes, Kings, and the Birth of the West
Seller: Greenworld Books, Arlington, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: good. Fast Free Shipping â" Good condition book with a firm cover and clean, readable pages. Shows normal use, including some light wear or limited notes highlighting, yet remains a dependable copy overall. Supplemental items like CDs or access codes may not be included. Seller Inventory # GWV.1541768752.G
Stock Image
The Invention of Power: Popes, Kings, and the Birth of the West
Seller: Wonder Book, Frederick, MD, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. Very Good condition. Very Good dust jacket. A copy that may have a few cosmetic defects. May also contain light spine creasing or a few markings such as an owner's name, short gifter's inscription or light stamp. Seller Inventory # S07E-02635
Stock Image
The Invention of Power: Popes, Kings, and the Birth of the West
Seller: Redux Books, Grand Rapids, MI, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Hardcover with dust jacket. Pages are clean and unmarked. Covers show very minor shelf wear. Dust jacket shows light edge wear. Binding is tight, hinges strong.; 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed! Ships same or next business day! Seller Inventory # 142510300049
Stock Image
The Invention of Power: Popes, Kings, and the Birth of the West
Seller: ThriftBooks-Dallas, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G1541768752I4N00
Stock Image
The Invention of Power : Popes, Kings, and the Birth of the West
Seller: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects. Seller Inventory # 48584601-6
Stock Image
The Invention of Power : Popes, Kings, and the Birth of the West
Seller: Better World Books: West, Reno, NV, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects. Seller Inventory # 52997749-75
Stock Image
The Invention of Power : Popes, Kings, and the Birth of the West
Seller: Better World Books: West, Reno, NV, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # 45217397-6
Stock Image
The Invention of Power: Popes, Kings, and the Birth of the West
Seller: HPB-Red, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
hardcover. Condition: Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used textbooks may not include companion materials such as access codes, etc. May have some wear or writing/highlighting. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority! Seller Inventory # S_433584300
Stock Image
The Invention of Power: Popes, Kings, and the Birth of the West
Seller: Bookoutlet1, Easley, SC, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. Great shape! Has a publisher remainder mark. hardcover Used - Very Good 2022. Seller Inventory # IM-10126259