Ibn Khaldoun: An Exerpt from New Realities in an Old World

Here is an interesting exerpt from New Realities in an Old World's Chapter 2 titled: It's the Economy Stupid- Geoeconomic Realities.

"Some four centuries before the birth of Adam Smith, an Arab philosopher by the name of Ibn Khaldoun (1332-1406) wrote a famous treatise describing the different aspects relating to the rise and fall of civilizations. It was entitled, Al Muqqadima (The Introduction to The Book of Lessons). In it, he described the political, economic, social and cultural underpinnings of civilizations. In its economic aspects, he delved into everything from financing wars to fiscal responsibility, taxation, the effects of geography on industry and trade, productivity, and wealth creation. One of the primary concerns he appeared to have had is finding a balance between rulers and their regimes with that of the people’s economic potential. Unfortunately, most of the Arab region would not take his advice during the following eight centuries."

New Realities in an Old World, Copyright © 2004 - 2011, Wissam S. Yafi.