Asiatic mode of production

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In the theory of historical materialism, the term Asiatic mode of production describes a widespread pre-Capitalist mode of production, in which irrigation agriculture plays an important role in society. Oriental despotism is considered to arise out of this mode of production. The term was influenced by Karl Marx. According to the current Marxist research, however, the Asiatic mode of production can be found all around the world, not just in Asia as the term indicates.