This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. Ultrasociety

   How 10,000 Years of War Made Humans the Greatest Cooperators on Earth

   

   This book explores the fascinating journey of human societies from small, egalitarian groups to the vast, complex societies we see today, focusing on how humans have achieved remarkable levels of cooperation on a large scale. The author employs the principles of cultural evolution, particularly the theory of "cultural multilevel selection," to explain the mechanisms behind the rise of states, empires, and modern corporations. Through a blend of historical evidence and scientific research, the book argues that warfare and the competition between societies have been crucial drivers in forcing societies to become more cooperative and less unequal, ultimately leading to the formation of ultra-cooperative communities, or "Ultrasociety," capable of remarkable feats but also facing new challenges in the modern era.

   The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. War And Peace And War

   The Rise and Fall of Empires

   

   The book explores the rise and fall of empires through the lens of historical dynamics and social theory, focusing on the concept of "asabiya," or social cohesion, as a critical factor in the success and longevity of civilizations. It examines how internal cohesion and external pressures shape the fortunes of societies, drawing on a wide range of historical examples to illustrate the cyclical nature of empire building and decline. The author integrates insights from various disciplines, including history, sociology, and evolutionary biology, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the forces that drive human history.

   The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. End Times

   Elites, Counter-Elites, and the Path of Political Disintegration

   

   The book explores the concept of societal collapse through a scientific lens, examining historical patterns and data to understand the cyclical nature of human civilization's rise and fall. It delves into the factors that contribute to societal instability, such as economic inequality, political fragmentation, and social unrest. By analyzing past civilizations and their downfalls, the book aims to provide insights into the current global situation and potential future scenarios, emphasizing the importance of addressing underlying issues to prevent potential crises.

4. 4. Ages Of Discord

   A Structural-Demographic Analysis of American History

   

   Using structural-demographic theory, this work analyzes cycles of social cohesion and instability in U.S. history, linking waves of inequality, elite overproduction, popular immiseration, and fiscal stress to recurring periods of political crisis. Drawing on extensive historical and quantitative data, it traces a trajectory from early national consolidation through Gilded Age turmoil, mid-20th-century integration, and a renewed disintegrative phase beginning in the late 20th century. It argues that rising polarization, stagnant or declining real wages for many, and intensifying elite competition are symptoms of a broader systemic cycle, and suggests that mitigating inequality and rebuilding state capacity are key to restoring stability.

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