The origin of politics: an evolutionary theory of political behavior

Abstract

Evolutionary biology offers a comprehensive theory of the ultimate causes of human political behavior, addressing the theoretical limitations inherent in rational choice and behavioralism. Human preferences are shaped by evolutionary pressures that favor “wary cooperation,” a behavioral strategy characterized by an innate inclination toward in-group collaboration balanced by a heightened sensitivity to non-reciprocity and a willingness to engage in the costly punishment of non-cooperators. This framework explains political life as a product of multilevel selection, where the survival advantages of group cohesion conflict with individual-level self-interest. Empirical evidence from monozygotic and dizygotic twin studies demonstrates that genetic inheritance plays a substantial role in shaping political attitudes, with broad orientations such as conservatism showing high heritability. Additionally, research into cognitive variations, including the autism spectrum, indicates that physiological differences in the brain influence how individuals navigate social and rule-based environments. Political institutions and public policies, ranging from criminal justice to welfare and warfare, reflect these deep-seated biological predispositions. Rather than adhering to genetic determinism, this evolutionary approach suggests that political behavior is the result of complex interactions between heritable traits and environmental stimuli, providing a consistent basis for integrating the social and natural sciences. – AI-generated abstract.