asabiyet

Asabiyet, a concept developed by the 14th-century Arab sociologist Ibn Khaldun, refers to a social bond or group solidarity that is crucial for the rise and fall of civilizations. It is often translated as "group feeling," "tribalism," or "social cohesion." Khaldun observed that asabiyet is strongest in tribal or nomadic societies where kinship ties are paramount and a shared sense of purpose and loyalty exists. This strong asabiyet allows such groups to overcome challenges and conquer more settled, less cohesive societies.

However, as a group's asabiyet weakens, so does its ability to maintain power and influence. Khaldun argued that as groups become more settled and prosperous, they tend to adopt more luxurious lifestyles, which erodes their asabiyet. The bonds of solidarity loosen, and individuals become more concerned with personal comfort and status than with the collective good. This decline in asabiyet makes the civilization vulnerable to conquest by groups with stronger asabiyet. The cycle of rise and fall, driven by the waxing and waning of asabiyet, is a central theme in Khaldun's work. He saw it as a fundamental force shaping human history and the development of political entities.