The state uses taxation and redistribution to elicit obedience and maximize its discretionary power. Eventually, however, that power is dissipated through political competition of the state’s own making.
Anthony de Jasay (1925–2019) was a Research Fellow at the Independent Institute and the author of numerous books including The State, Against Politics, and Justice and its Surroundings.
EconomyFreedomGovernment and PoliticsGovernment PowerLaw and LibertyPhilosophy and ReligionPolitical TheoryPublic ChoiceSocialism, Communism, and CollectivismTaxes
Other Independent Review articles by Anthony de Jasay
Fall 2006 When Fair Is Not Just and Just Is Not Fair
Winter 2004/05 Liberalism, Loose or Strict
Summer 1999 On Treating Like Cases Alike
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