Warfare regulation: a cross-cultural test of hypotheses among tribal peoples

Behavior Science Research • Vol/Iss. 9 • Published In • Pages: 151-172 •
By Tefft, Stanton K., Reinhardt, Douglas

Abstract

This paper tests "theories which suggest that there are causal-functional relationships between the dependent variables peacemaking and peace stability on the one hand and certain independent variables, such as political complexity, warrior class, warfare objectives, cultural homology and intersocietal ties, on the other hand." Significant relationships were found between the last three independent variables.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
HRAF Collection of Ethnography (paper/fiche)

Hypotheses (8)

HypothesisSupported
"The more frequently political communities or political alliances fight for politico-economic objectives (subjugation, tribute, land, plunder), the less likely they will negotiate peace (use mediation, arbitration, direct negotiation)" (157)Supported
"As the level of political complexity increases, the more stable the peace which terminates the war" (159)Not Supported
"Political communities with professional soldiers whose special function it is to wage war will be less likely to develop institutionalized peacemaking procedures" (160)Not Supported
"Political communities with professional soldiers will be more likely to have unstable peace" (160)Not Supported
"Political communities that have different value systems are more likely to institutionalize peacemaking procedures than those who have similar value systems" (163)Supported
"Political communities that have different value systems are more likely to regulate warfare more successfully than those with similar value systems" (163)Not Supported
"The more numerous the economic, religious or social ties between political communities, the more likely they will institutionalize peacemaking procedures" (165)Supported
"The more numerous the economic, religious, or social ties between political communities, the more likely they will . . . establish a stable peace" (165)Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: mas  Megan Farrer