I was thinking that intellectual developments would lead to democracy. Uprisings like the one in Tanchico during tSR could easily be created if someone like a Thomas Paine came along.

This is my first post here so forgive me if this has been discussed before. I read the books about two years ago and I am rereading them again so forgive me if I am vague.

Based on the lore of WoT, it seems as if the economies of every nation have essentially stagnated, or even declined, over the thousands of years since the Breaking. Also, the monarchy remains firmly entrenched as the most prevalent form of government. I find that this is highly unlikely given the relative level of freedom experienced by large parts of the population, perhaps best represented in Andor and Tar Valon. If we compare the arc of our history to the arc of WoT history, then we should be able to predict what should have happened.

-Although the Aes Sedai are the most powerful force, they do not actively bar critical thinking. In fact, the White Ajah and the Brown Ajah would be the greatest source for intellectual developments within the society. It would be safe to assume that these Ajahs would want to form intellectual networks and create a system in which they could engage in rational debate throughout the many nations. This would be comparable to at least the level of acceptance during the enlightenment. I could believe the intellectual stagnation if the Children of the Light dominated society rather than the Aes Sedai. It would seem likely that ideas of Democracy, Capitalism, and the scientific method would develop rather quickly in a society that respected critical thinking.

-No slavery so there would be an incentive to develop labor saving devices.

-Hard currency rather than a barter system.

-A system of banking is in place. Allows for investment.

-Merchants allocating resources where they are needed. Peddlers, Sea Folk, and traders like Domon.

The only reason that I could think of for why there was stagnation was war. You got the Breaking, Trolloc Wars, War of the Hundred Years, False Dragons, and the Aiel War. I still think that the interim periods would be enough time for developments to be made.