Throughout history, many empires have risen and fallen. Different systems of governance have reigned supreme, such as feudalism or constant dynastic struggles. However, these systems inevitably morph and transition from one form to another. This is where the theory of Anacyclosis, championed by the ancient Greek philosopher Polybius, suggests that changes in political systems are not random but part of a cyclical pattern. The theory of Anacyclosis states that there are 6 forms of political governing: monarchy, tyranny, aristocracy, oligarchy, democracy, and ochlocracy.
Polybius states that initially, there will be a strong leader who rises up from the mob to take absolute control. This is the first stage of the monarchy and is supported by many examples, such as Napoleon Bonaparte – who rose from the chaos of the French Revolution and crowned himself emperor. Over time, the descendants of the initial monarch will become corrupt and unfit for rule, turning the monarchy into a tyranny. Examples of tyrannical leaders are common also, such as King John of England. This tyrannical rule is then deposed as the powerful aristocracy exhausts, and they take control. An example of this stage would be the Roman Republic deposing Tarquin the Proud, the last king of Rome. However, this ruling class of aristocrats suffers the same corruption as the monarchy as they develop into oligarchs. This is shown through the eventual corruption of the Roman Senate. Then a wealthy, educated middle class rises up and overthrows the oligarchs, leading to a democracy. This is shown by the third estate during the French Revolution, with the bourgeoisie creating a National Assembly and taking power. Eventually, through poor leadership and corruption, the democracy with eventually descend into an ochlocracy (mob-rule). This is shown during the terror of the French Revolution. Therefore, the cyclical nature of ruling restarts as another prominent figure (monarch) rises up.
The Polybian system seems to focus heavily on the seemingly inevitable decay of rule owing to corruption. As famously stated by Lord Acton in 1887, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely”, supporting Polybius’s claim that power will corrupt the individuals who are ruling. Even the Bible claims that, through original sin, corruption is a fundamental part of human nature. Whether it was Adam and Eve eating from the tree of knowledge to gain power, or the Watergate scandal shaking the very core of American politics, it is seemingly inescapable. Polybius highlights in his theory of anacyclosis.
Therefore, many prominent figures have subscribed to this theory because of these percieved flaws in human nature. For example, John Adams, one of the founding fathers of America, was heavily influenced by the theory of anacyclosis. In his unpublished essay “ An Essay on Men’s Lust for Power: All Men would be Tyrants if they could”, he echoes Polybius’s theory. Clearly referencing each stage of the cycle, Adams shows the profound effect that Polybius has had on the great thinkers in history. Niccolo Machiavelli also references the theories of Polybius in his Discourses on Livy (1517).
Despite this, there are examples of systems that have managed to resist anacyclosis. These systems incorporated the key idea that to resist the cycle, a system of mixed government must be in place with several checks and balances to remove corruption from the system. This system of mixed government was a key belief of the famous philosopher Aristotle, who stated that each system, Monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy, should be incorporated into one political entity to maintain its stability. The most famous example of this system of mixed government is the United Kingdom, which incorporates the King (monarchy), the House of Lords (aristocracy), and the House of Commons (democracy) in its ruling system. This has prevented the degradation of British politics, as the last violent regime change the United Kingdom was in 1649, culminating with the execution of Charles I. Another famous example of mixed government is the United States of America, with the founding fathers heavily influenced by Polybius, leading to them striving to create a system that could escape the anacyclosis cycle. Most importantly, these systems incorporate independent judiciary systems, preventing corruption with a system of checks and balances.
Recently, these systems of mixed government have been threatened by the rise of populism, which often ignores checks and balances. For example, the Trump administration failed to return Mr. Abrego Garcia, wrongfully deported to El Salvador, even when instructed to by the Supreme Court. Similarly, in 2019 Boris Johnson prorogued Parliament, an action deemed unlawful by the Supreme Court and immediately reversed. These cases indicate that mixed governmental systems may not be as immune to corruption as many philosophers believe, suggesting that anacyclosis can never truly be stopped and that the corruption inherent in human nature will always attempt to overcome the checks and balances meant to restrain it.
The theory of anacyclosis is an incredibly fascinating one which has influenced political thought for over a millennium. Whether it be ancient Greek society or modern-day politics, the cycle of governing that it proposes is timeless, bringing order, structure and a pattern which is clearly visible throughout history. Even the mighty Roman Empire fell, something which Polybius foresaw 100 years before its demise. His theory of anacyclosis is not just a prediction of the change of political systems, but a moral lesson on how human nature will eventually lead to corruption and systemic change, something which will continue to be observed for the foreseeable future.
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_cycle_theory
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niccol%C3%B2_Machiavelli#Works