Great post, Pavithra. I just wanted to add that the link between identity (often religious rather than ethnic) and state building is also the major theme of Persecution and Toleration, my CUP book from 2019. In particular, we argue that reliance on identity rules (rules that differ based on one's visible identity) is a natural way for states low capacity to govern. But as states grow in capacity, they often have an incentive to break down these types of identities rules (making possible the emergence of the rule of low).
Great post, Pavithra. I just wanted to add that the link between identity (often religious rather than ethnic) and state building is also the major theme of Persecution and Toleration, my CUP book from 2019. In particular, we argue that reliance on identity rules (rules that differ based on one's visible identity) is a natural way for states low capacity to govern. But as states grow in capacity, they often have an incentive to break down these types of identities rules (making possible the emergence of the rule of low).
Thanks Mark! I am working on a book manuscript on social identity and state weakening and will be sure to look this up.