Final answer:
Coercion, capital, and commitment are themes seen in the first cities like Uruk in Mesopotamia. The existence of cities attracted plundering bands, leading to self-defense measures. Uruk's intensive agriculture created a surplus of goods, fostering economic opportunities. Formalized codes and punishments were introduced to maintain order and prevent conflicts within the cities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The themes of coercion, capital, and commitment can be seen in the context of the first cities like Uruk in Mesopotamia.
Coercion:
Coercion refers to the use of force or threats to control or influence others. In the case of Uruk, the existence of cities and their accumulated wealth made them attractive targets for plundering bands of barbarians. This led to the development of self-defense measures and the rise of temporary military leaders to protect the settlements.
Capital:
Capital, in this context, refers to the accumulated wealth and resources within the cities. Uruk, with its intensive irrigation agriculture, was able to produce a surplus of agricultural goods. This surplus allowed for the growth of trade networks, attracting merchants and creating economic opportunities within the city.
Commitment:
Commitment relates to the establishment of formalized codes and laws aimed at controlling aggressive behavior within the cities. Uruk and other early cities introduced laws and punishments to maintain order and prevent conflicts among different groups of people living in close proximity.