IBN KHALDUN’S TRIBAL VS WESTERN STATES by Igor Rogov The major distinction Russi

IBN KHALDUN’S TRIBAL VS WESTERN STATES
by Igor Rogov

The major distinction Russian scholars make between Ibn Khaldun description of his reality (and by extension, reality in post-USSR) and the so-called West:

Ibn Khaldun notes the most important structures within Caliphate: Asabiyyah, Mulk, Davla. Davla could be translated as “State” but this leads to misconceptions when read by the westerner. Western State (or Stato) is distinct from Davla.

State is (ideally) neutral and is powered by self-evolving law system, mechanically converting the reality into the set of rules. The Machiavellian ideal Prince (and American president) simply has to watch and adjust the balance of powers, so no one could cease and destroy this wonderful machinery. All other tasks are secondary.

Davla is categorically different. It is powered by an impulse to dominate by the ruling elite (Asabiyyah is not exactly the tribal unity, but more like a passion – a will to rule the world by a warring tribe).

Mulk is something special too. It is a sovereignty enforced by violence and nothing much else, keeping the Davla/Caliphate in dynamic unity. There are no “sovereign borders” in Western understanding of this, – only the dynamic, shifting line, depending on the current level of Mulk.