Jon Elster delves into what binds societies together and prevents them from disintegrating into chaos and war.

Preface and acknowledgements; Introduction: the two problems of social order; 1. Collective action; 2. Bargaining; 3. Social norms; 4. Bargaining and collective action; 5. Collective action and social norms; 6. Bargaining and social norms; Conclusion: the cement of society; References; Index.