Ashoka controlled global GDP

The argument

Power, on this account, is best measured by the share of humanity and of the world's economy a ruler commands, and by that measure Emperor Ashoka stands apart. He ruled over 44% of the world's population — close to half of everyone then alive — and controlled almost half of global GDP. No comparison with a modern state or empire begins from anything like that base. The comparison the argument draws is with the British Empire, which is the usual answer to questions about historical dominance. At its height the British Empire controlled 21% of global output. Ashoka's share was roughly twice that. The point is not to diminish British reach but to establish scale: if the empire conventionally treated as the largest concentration of power in history commanded a fifth of world production, a ruler commanding half was operating at a level without parallel. The economic figure matters because of what it implies about the consequences of one person's decisions. When half of world output falls within a single administration, choices about taxation, law, trade routes and public works are not local matters; their effects propagate across the whole of the economy that exists. His actions and decisions had an impact on people living everywhere from Japan to Afghanistan — a span that on this argument marks the reach of his influence rather than the borders of his administration. That combination is what the claim rests on. Others have ruled larger territories, and others have commanded more advanced military technology. Ashoka governed a larger proportion of living human beings, and directed a larger proportion of the world's economic activity, than anyone before or since. If power means the capacity of one person's decisions to shape the lives of others, the arithmetic points to him.

Context

Power across time can be measured as control of global gross domestic product (GDP). The more control an individual has over global politics and industry.

Premises

Counter-arguments

Enjoying swathes of control over GDP in 250BC took much less power than controlling a significant share of GDP today. The ancient economy was so underdeveloped it did not take much power to seize control. A company like Amazon, which accounts for almost half of all US online purchases, has carved out a far greater share of economic power in real dollar terms than Ashoka did.

Rejecting the premises

[Rejecting P2] Controlling GDP output in the ancient economy required far less power than the ability to control GDP in today's post-industrial economy.

Framing

Power is relative. However, one measurement of power could be an individual's control over global gross domestic product (GDP). In these terms, Ashoka emerges as one of the most powerful individuals of all time.