摘要：In this synthesis, we hope to accomplish two things: 1) reflect on how the analysis of thenew archaeological cases presented in this special feature adds to previous case studies by revisiting a setof propositions reported in a 2006 special feature, and 2) reflect on four main ideas that are more specificto the archaeological cases: i) societal choices are influenced by robustness–vulnerability trade-offs, ii)there is interplay between robustness–vulnerability trade-offs and robustness–performance trade-offs, iii)societies often get locked in to particular strategies, and iv) multiple positive feedbacks escalate theperceived cost of societal change. We then discuss whether these lock-in traps can be prevented or whetherthe risks associated with them can be mitigated. We conclude by highlighting how these long-term historicalstudies can help us to understand current society, societal practices, and the nexus between ecology andsociety.
