Final answer:
It is true that parallels can be drawn between different scales of centralized societies, such as chiefdoms and states, as they share hierarchical structures and centralized decision-making, despite their unique traits.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question addresses the topic of whether there are useful parallels to be drawn between different scales of centralized societies. On this subject, it is true that there can be useful parallels drawn between different levels of centralized societies such as chiefdoms, states, and empires. For example, centralized societies often share characteristics like a hierarchical structure, a centralized decision-making process, and the existence of a bureaucracy to manage various aspects of governance. However, each level of society also tends to display unique traits reflecting their specific scale and complexity. A chiefdom might show more direct influence from a singular leader, while a state typically exhibits more formalized and bureaucratic institutions. Despite these differences, comparing them can provide valuable insights into the nature and functioning of centralized power and governance.