Avidit Acharya Books

The book explores the intriguing question of why citizens across international borders experience vastly different governance systems. Acharya and Lee propose a groundbreaking theory that views the modern territorial state system as an economic cartel, where states maintain local monopolies on governance and respect each other's boundaries. By examining the historical evolution of state formation, the authors illuminate how this system emerged and speculate on potential future transformations, making significant contributions to the understanding of world politics.

The book explores the enduring impact of slavery on modern political attitudes in the American South, highlighting a persistent conservatism despite significant social changes over the past 150 years. It examines how historical factors contribute to contemporary support for Republican candidates, gun rights, and the death penalty, revealing deep-rooted beliefs among southern whites that continue to shape their political landscape.

"In modern times, international borders reflect discontinuous changes in political authority, no matter what the inconveniences are for the individuals that they separate. What explains this fact? Why are the citizens of neighboring regions that happen to lie across an international border often subject to very different governance systems? We argue that the defining feature of the modern territorial state system is the local, bounded, monopoly that states have in governing their citizens. States refuse to violate each other's monopolies, even when they could do so easily. We examine what makes this system stable, when and how it emerged, how it spread, how it has been challenged, what led it to be so resilient over time, and how might it change in the future."

Permaculture needs all of us, and all of us need permaculture. Permaculture is a way of farming, gardening, or managing land for sustainable food that emphasizes a reciprocal relationship with nature. It's also a way of living that has countless benefits for both individual and collective well-being and is an essential tool in the fight of our lives: tackling the climate crisis. Incorporating such concepts and practices as rewilding and community resilience, permaculture is an approach with core principles that center collectivism and stewardship. From these principles, we can take key lessons about how we interact with nature and with others in all areas of life. Exploring the history of permaculture, how it exists today, and combining practical prompts with personal stories, this book is written with expertise, yet is accessible and enjoyable for beginners and the experienced alike. Whether you're completely new to permaculture, or you're someone with experience who wants to reconnect and learn more about its history and principles, this book will contain valuable lessons for growth far beyond the garden.