On the use of magical wards in costly collective action: Japanese ninjas, Russian rebellion and Congo uprising

Date: Wednesday 6 December 2023, 16.30-18.00

Location: Adam Smith 706 (this event is hybrid; a Zoom link is below)

Speaker: Dr Vladimir Maltsev, Glasgow

Abstract:

Increasing the probability of winning and reducing the expected costs of conflict are strategies that can influence participation in risky collective action, such as wars or rebellions. However, this strategy does not have to be exclusively tied to material factors such as technology or strength in numbers. At times, spiritual thinking can be just as effective in influencing the perceived probability of winning and/or costs of conflict. I apply this insight to numerous historical cases: the uprising of Iga ninjas in Japan (1579-1581), the rebellion of Stepan Razin in Russia (1670-1671), and the uprising of Pierre Mulele in Congo (1963-1965).

The picture shows Stepan Razin, leader of one of the largest rebellions in Russia in the 17^th century, and an alleged warlock, who could ward his followers against bullets and cannonballs. (Source: https://www.wikiart.org/en/vasily-surikov/stepan-razin-1906)

Speaker’s bio:

Vladimir Maltsev is a lecturer in economics in the Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow. Vladimir's academic interests lie in such areas as the economics of religion, economics of rebellions and economics of anarchy. Vladimir's research features in journals such as the European Economic Review, Public Choice and the Journal of Economic Behaviour and Organization.

Zoom link: https://uofglasgow.zoom.us/j/85723271140?pwd=NVhnaXRDM3ZCVGRQemxwaVRBdUpZdz09 (Meeting ID: 857 2327 1140; Passcode: 422951)

First published: 27 November 2023

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On the use of magical wards in costly collective action: Japanese ninjas, Russian rebellion and Congo uprising

The picture shows Stepan Razin, leader of one of the largest rebellions in Russia in the 17th century, and an alleged warlock, who could ward his followers against bullets and cannonballs. (Source: https://www.wikiart.org/en/vasily-surikov/stepan-razin-1906)

The picture shows Stepan Razin, leader of one of the largest rebellions in Russia in the 17^th century, and an alleged warlock, who could ward his followers against bullets and cannonballs. (Source: https://www.wikiart.org/en/vasily-surikov/stepan-razin-1906)