However, recent research suggests that labelling Tiwanaku as an empire or even a state may be misleading. Tiwanaku is missing a number of features traditionally used to define archaic states and empires: there is no defensive architecture at any Tiwanaku site or changes in weapon technology, there are no princely burials or other evidence of a ruling dynasty, no evidence of state-maintained roads or outposts, and no markets.

Tiwanaku was a multi-cultural network of powerful lineages that brought people together to build large monuments.