The Rule of the Clan (Mark S. Weiner, 2013)

Saw some favorable references, but this wasn't very interesting.  At least it was pretty short.

The author addresses the difference between traditional clan-based governance systems and the modern liberal state.  I think he's obviously correct in noting that the modern liberal state - with its emphasis on individual rights - can't function without a strong central government.  But he seems to fear that the government (U.S.) in its current iteration can't be scaled back without risk that we'll devolve into something more along the lines of a clan-based system.

Which is pretty ridiculous.  To surpass clan systems, the state does need to be strong - but primarily in matters such as protection of individual rights (property and otherwise), police force, military, etc.  And no doubt some involvement in infrastructure etc.  But the current U.S. system veers far toward usurping individual rights.  So that was kind of an off-target sideshow for the author.

Somewhat interesting discussions about clan systems in various setting - Scotland, Iceland, the middle east, etc.  Concepts of honor and shame.  Subjugation of the individual - especially if you happen to be female.  Why clan systems tend to work in the absence of a centralized state - participants obtain protection in an anarchic setting plus strong group identification - but at the expense of individual liberties.

An unexpected and completely immediate overlap with a just-read book:  as the author describes the transition from clan to state in Britain, who should he cite (at p. 147) but Edwin of Northumbria, a central figure in this piece of historical fiction.  The author discusses the role of religion in assisting the transition from clan to modern state (centralization) - also a theme in the linked work.  Big Religion and Big State work well together!

Author notes the tendency to glamorize those old-timey clan systems - the feeling of inclusiveness can seem attractive as the modern liberal state can leave folks feeling disconnected.  Yet in the end, folks with a choice tend to migrate out of clan-ism.

Clan systems aren't going away.  They are dramatically different than our (U.S.) society - which should make us humble when intervening in middle east situations.  But we seem to remain un-humble.