Revisiting Indigenous Democracies and the Dawn of Everything

This episode of the 'Propaganda Loves You Book Club' delves into Chapter Nine of 'The Dawn of Everything' by David Graeber and David Wengrow, titled 'Hiding in Plain Sight: The Indigenous Origins of Social Housing and Democracy in the Americas.' The hosts discuss the two significant civilizations in Central Mexico, Tenochtitlan and Tlaxcala, focusing on their social housing projects, urban development, and governance structures. The conversation highlights how Tlaxcala demonstrated elements of democratic governance long before European influence and examines the potential plagiarism of these systems by European colonizers. Additionally, the episode raises questions about the nature of statehood, democracy, and societal organization, setting the stage for future discussions on the origins of the state.

00:00 Introduction to the Book Club

00:36 Chapter Nine Overview: Hiding in Plain Sight

01:40 Pronunciation Challenges and City Introductions

02:27 Teotihuacan: Urban Development and Social Housing

03:40 Archaeological Evidence and City Maps

07:55 Timeline and Origins of Teotihuacan

19:00 Kalala: Indigenous Democracy and Spanish Conquest

23:58 Political Structures and Governance in Kalala

32:42 Reflections on Historical and Modern Governance

42:08 Conclusion and Next Chapter Preview