Apocalyptic equality

Image source: Four Horsemen of Apocalypse, by Viktor Vasnetsov. Painted in 1887. (Public Domain)

First off, I have not yet read the book (but it is now on my reading list!). But I was recently referred to this article after a conversation on the topic of income inequality.

The Economist newspaper offers an interesting synopsis of the book "The Great Leveller: Violence and the History of Inequality from the Stone Age to the Twenty-First Century" By Walter Scheidel. The Economist synopsis can be found here.

From reading this synopsis it appears the Scheidel's thesis is that political initiatives to reduce income inequality have historically never had a significant effect on the income distribution. Rather it has historically only been through periods of great war, pandemic, total revolution and similar catastrophic events which have had any real [favorable?] impact on income distributions throughout history. 

Not necessarily an uplifting piece for those concerned about the notion of fair income distribution, but may prove to be an interesting read! 

On this topic, the first thought hat entered my mind as I read this synopsis was that (with the exception of pandemic) couldn't it be argued that Wars, Radicalization, and Revolution are just as likely the cause of a disenchanted social grouping embracing extreme tactics to try to improve their degrading lot in the social order? 

That is, whether it be through democracy or other violent mass uprisings. as income concentrates at the top and the majority of people feel left behind, their willingness to accept extreme or radical solutions may increase. At least, my reading of history seems to suggest so. 

Again, I have not yet read Scheidel's book, perhaps he brings this idea into his work, that often income inequality may lead to these events which then decrease income inequality ... scary thought that I would hope is proven false if that is the only solution to a growing income inequality. 

As Ii said. this book is definitely on my reading list! -- Anyone have a chance to look over this book yet? what are your thoughts? Once I give this book a read, I will post my own synopsis.