1) What does the traditional sociology literature assert regarding the role of religion and political rule?
Provide some specific citations. Then, compare and contrast that with how, according to this book,
(Abrahamic) monotheisms could have contrasted with those main ideas (Chapters 1 & 2). Conclude by
offering a critique.
2) What do the claims and findings in Chapter 6 imply about institutional change in Europe in the 16th
century? How and why are they relevant for the classic institutions and development literature which we
studied in class? (Recall that, according to the conventional view, institutions evolve slowly and mostly on
account of domestic power struggles.)
3) How do the results in Chapter 7 relate to of the importance of culture in conflict? And, by extension, what
do they imply about how culture and institutions were influencing one another?
4) Briefly summarize the longer-term effects of Ottoman versus European conflicts on European social,
political and economic change in the longer-run (Chapters 8, 9 and 10). Provide and assessment and
critique of the "institutions cause economic development" view in light of this content.