degree, as is the disorder its brings to individuals or systems. Imbalance is almost always
one-sided in the direction of either the spirit or appetite.
Individuals, societies, regional and international systems exist at different levels
of social aggregation. They differ in numerous ways, but again following the Greeks, I
treat them as similar for analytical purposes on the grounds that each level of aggregation
can fairly be characterized by its mix of motives and degree of balance. This assumption
allows me to bridge levels and develop a theory of change that explains movement
toward order and disorder in terms of changes in balance and imbalance at the level in
question and the ways in which it affects, and is affected by, balance and imbalance at
adjacent levels. I offer two types of explanations for balance and imbalance: breakdown
of traditional constraints among elite actors; and broader changes associated with
modernization.
I then describe the mechanisms that translate imbalance into social disorder and
breakdown. I argue that both spirit and appetite directed societies are delicately
balanced, even when well-functioning. Spirit and appetite alike are satisfied through
competition, and spirit-driven competition for standing is particularly intense because of
its relational nature. When not held in check by reason, competition for either standing
or wealth can transgress the accepted constraints and lead to a rapid unraveling of order.
Imbalance in the direction of spirit can intensify intra-elite competition to the point where
a critical mass of elite actors come to fear that they will be denied standing or even forfeit
their lives. This fear becomes paramount when one actor or faction (or state or alliance)
appears on the verge of capturing the mechanisms of state (or abusing its power to
establish unwanted authority over others) in pursuit of its parochial goals. In these
circumstances, violence or warfare may break out, brought about through a power bid by
2
Convention