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The Collapse of Multilayer Predation and the Emergence of a Monolithic Leviathan

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  • Li Tuobang

Abstract

This paper constructs a multilayer recursive game model to demonstrate that in a rule vacuum environment, hierarchical predatory structures inevitably collapse into a monolithic political strongman system due to the conflict between exponentially growing rent dissipation and the rigidity of bottom-level survival constraints. We propose that the rise of a monolithic political strongman is essentially an "algorithmic entropy reduction" achieved through forceful means by the system to counteract the "informational entropy increase" generated by multilayer agency. However, the order gained at the expense of social complexity results in the stagnation of social evolutionary functions.

Suggested Citation

  • Li Tuobang, 2026. "The Collapse of Multilayer Predation and the Emergence of a Monolithic Leviathan," Papers 2601.13544, arXiv.org.
    • Handle: RePEc:arx:papers:2601.13544
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Oliver E. Williamson, 1967. "Hierarchical Control and Optimum Firm Size," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 75(2), pages 123-123.
    2. Acemoglu,Daron & Robinson,James A., 2009. "Economic Origins of Dictatorship and Democracy," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521671422, June.
    3. Olson, Mancur, 1993. "Dictatorship, Democracy, and Development," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 87(3), pages 567-576, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Li Tuobang, 2026. "On the Anchoring Effect of Monetary Policy on the Labor Share of Income and the Rationality of Its Setting Mechanism," Papers 2601.13675, arXiv.org, revised Jan 2026.
    2. Li Tuobang, 2026. "The Maintenance and Necessity of Universal Rules: Scale, Hierarchy, the Cost of Justice, and Civilizational Development," Papers 2601.14325, arXiv.org, revised Jan 2026.
    3. Li Tuobang, 2026. "Implementing Substance Over Form: A Novel Metric for Taxing E-commerce to Address Deterritorialization," Papers 2601.14616, arXiv.org.

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