Maslow and Theory of Political Development: Getting to Fundamentals

Abstract

To understand fundamental causes of political development, we need to frankly and explicitly include and evaluate innate organic forces in humans. These forces help to generate and give direction to development, whether peaceful or violent. I suggest that, in addition to the desire to survive, which mankind share with all forms of life, there are innate metasurvival needs-notably dignity and power. These become active when survival is assured and when minimally solidary communities have been established. They then help determine the direction in which political institutions evolve.