Farming and Fighting: An Empirical Analysis of the Ecological-Evolutionary Theory of the Incidence of Warfare

Structure and Dynamics • Vol/Iss. 5(2) • Institute for Mathematical Behavioral Sciences • Irvine, CA • Published In • Pages: 1-33 •
By Eff, E. Anthon, Routon, Philip W.

Abstract

In this article, the authors seek to reevaluate Nolan's (2003) study on the primary determinants of war. They reanalyze his hypotheses with what they claim are more robust measures and methodology. They conclude that there is only a little evidence supporting Nolan's theories, that more productive echnology and higher population density predict war, and that overall ecological-evolutionary and sociopolitical explanations of war are equally supported by empirical data.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
Standard Cross Cultural Sample (SCCS)by other researchers

Hypotheses (13)

HypothesisSupported
Population density will be positively associated with the frequency of external warNot supported
The presence of high gods will be negatively associated with the frequency of external warfareSupported
The presence of writing and records will be positively associated with the frequency of external warfareSupported
Low amounts of contact with other societies will be negatively associated with the frequency of external warfareSupported
The presence of metal technology will be positively associated with the frequency of external warfareSupported
War wealth will be positively associated with the frequency of external warfareSupported
The presence of capitalistic enterprises will be negatively associated with the frequency of external warfareSupported
Boreal forests will be negatively associated with the frequency of external warfareSupported
Temperate broadleaf and mixed forests will be positively associated with the frequency of external warfareSupported
Temperate coniferous forests will be negatively associated with the frequency of external warfareSupported
Political autonomy will be positively associated with the frequency of external warfareSupported
The amount of jurisdictional hierarchy in a local community will be negatively associated with the frequency of external warfareSupported
The importance of agriculture will be positively associated with the frequency of external warfarePartially Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: matthew.g.roth  dmccloskey103  anj.droe