Polity Atlas

How each model solves the same problems

Instead of “democracy versus anarchism”, compare the concrete ways collective problems get solved.

Question+ Model
How are decisions made?Each subak's assembly (paruman) of member farmers sets planting dates, work and fines under its own rules (awig-awig); water temples coordinate schedules between subaks.A 28-member General Council (half elected by parish, half by national list) elects the head of government; the co-princes sanction laws with countersignature.
How are conflicts resolved?Disputes are heard by subak heads and assemblies; conflicts between upstream and downstream subaks are negotiated at shared temples.A four-member Constitutional Tribunal appointed by the co-princes and the General Council; ordinary courts.
How are public goods funded?Proportional water division, canal maintenance, pest control through synchronised fallowing and shared ritual.Health, education and infrastructure funded by indirect, corporate and personal taxes; parishes run local services.
How is AI used?None in governance. Lansing's computer simulations were research tools that informed, but did not run, scheduling.No specific role for AI.
What are the main risks?Conversion of rice land to housing and tourism, water competition with hotels, falling water tables and state programmes that ignore local coordination.Clash between the episcopal co-prince and legislation such as abortion; exclusion of non-citizens; dependence on France, Spain and the EU.

This illustrates differences in design; it is not a universal claim about outcomes. Each cell links to mechanisms and the claims behind them.