Coordination Without Command: Stretching the Scope of Spontaneous Order

Posted: 1 Sep 2006 Last revised: 28 Jul 2010

See all articles by Peter T. Leeson

Peter T. Leeson

George Mason University - Department of Economics; George Mason University - Mercatus Center

Multiple version iconThere are 2 versions of this paper

Date Written: July 28, 2010

Abstract

How far can we stretch the scope of spontaneous order? Gordon Tullock's important work on the economics of non-human societies shows how these societies are able to coordinate without command despite features economists typically see as limiting the scope of spontaneous order. Using Tullock's insights, I search for the "human ant nest" - spontaneous institutional arrangements that create human cooperation despite the presence of these obstacles. I find two significant examples of this, both in precolonial Africa. The first demonstrates the effectiveness of spontaneous order in the face of threats of violent theft. The second shows the effectiveness of spontaneous order in the face of social heterogeneity. These cases suggest a broader scope for spontaneous order than conventional wisdom permits.

Suggested Citation

Leeson, Peter T., Coordination Without Command: Stretching the Scope of Spontaneous Order (July 28, 2010). Public Choice, Vol. 135, No. 1-2, 2008, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=927807

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