PLS 101 audio Ibn Khaldun Autumn 2024

1.

PLS 101: Ibn Khaldun
• 14th-century Islamic philosopher of
history
• Ibn Khaldun
• Full name:
• Abu ̄ Zayd Abdu al-Rahman ibn
Muhammad ibn Khalduˆn al-Hadrami
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2.

PLS 101: Ibn Khaldun
Analytical framework for regime change:
cyclical and almost inevitable but...
not necessarily democratic
predictive power but....
? linear progression towards a democratic outcome
cyclical, inexorable, transitory and with no fixed direction
Ibn Khaldūn, (1969), The Muqaddimah : an introduction to history,
Princeton NJ: Princeton University Press
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PLS 101: Ibn Khaldun
central to analysis is the concept of asabiyyah
strong group feeling based on unity, loyalty, social cohesion and
powerful solidarity
not just the bond of blood relations
common interest with others
tightly-knit group exhibiting solidarity, loyalty and a preparedness to
sacrifice for the greater good of fellow members
can be generated by the experience of collective hardship or military
struggle.
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PLS 101: Ibn Khaldun
can be achieved with charismatic, democratic leadership
but...
norm surrounding regime change was based in bloody
overthrows and the sacking of cities
21st century, cycle continues but...
slandering electoral opponents
pillaging villages
asabiyyah: partisanship and nationalism
interdependence of religion, politics, economics as well as
the military and cultural variables.
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PLS 101: Ibn Khaldun
• Asabiyyah: extremes not envisaged
by Khaldun
• not presaged on hatred of the “other”
• wider Islamic guidelines on military
force
• equality of human life and the
acceptance of “human rights”
obligations in Islam.
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PLS 101: Ibn Khaldun
cyclical model of political change based upon the inherent
nature of loyalty
political stability recast history as a journey from chaos to a
political system based on a developed appreciation of the
benefits of social solidarity and sedentary, urban living
not Hobbesian fear of return to brutish regime of unabated
selfishness but....
positive idea of asabiyyah
evident in the social forces that originally spread Islam
absence accounts for political decline.
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PLS 101: Ibn Khaldun
cycle consisting of 5 stages that outlines the rise and fall of a
political regime.
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Conquest – this is based on strong feelings of asabiyyah which
produce an irresistible strength amongst the tribesmen.
Single ruler – emergence of a charismatic, respected leader.
Broadly popular rule – the period when the leaders draw strength
and inspiration from the group.
Over confidence – the ruler becomes complacent and cut-off from
majority of population. The ruler becomes reclusive and
surrounds himself with most loyal servants. Population has now
become “sedentary” and accustomed to the luxuries of city life.
Collapse – new “underdog” tribal group seizes control. Their
togetherness gives them “the edge”.
2.
3.
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5.
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PLS 101: Ibn Khaldun
• whatever the group, people need to feel some sense
of shared purpose to function well
shared values
process for “assuring” consent essential
congruence between the basis of power and its use
For Khaldun, the decline in voluntary compliance with
the laws of the state was a further harbinger of danger
to a regime. Corruption, tax avoidance and selfishness
had heralded the fall of several once robust political
regimes.
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