The concept posits that a state originates from the subjugation of a population by a dominant individual or group. This perspective suggests that governmental authority is established not through voluntary agreement or natural evolution, but rather through the imposition of power. Historically, examples can be found where warlords consolidated control over territories, creating rudimentary forms of governance by compelling obedience through military strength and the threat of violence. Such emergent states were characterized by hierarchical structures where the ruling entity dictated laws and extracted resources from the conquered populace.
Understanding this theoretical framework provides insights into the formative stages of certain political entities. It allows for an analysis of the mechanisms by which power is seized and maintained in the absence of established legal or social norms. This comprehension is beneficial for examining the dynamics of state formation in periods of conflict or societal upheaval, highlighting the role of coercion in shaping political landscapes. Studying it illuminates the potential vulnerabilities and inherent instability within governments founded solely on dominance, as legitimacy is often absent.
