The market for protection and the origin of the state

Konrad, Kai A. and Skaperdas, Stergios (2012): The market for protection and the origin of the state. In: Economic Theory, Vol. 50, No. 2: pp. 417-443

Abstract

We examine a stark setting in which security or protection can be provided by self-governing groups or by for-profit entrepreneurs (kings, kleptocrats, or mafia dons). Though selfgovernance is best for the population, it faces problems of long-term viability. Typically, in providing security the equilibrium market structure involves competing lords, a condition that leads to a tragedy of coercion: all the savings from the provision of collective protection are dissipated and welfare can be as low as, or even lower than, in the absence of the state.

• Item Type: Article
• Status: Postprint
• Keywords: property rights, anarchy, government
• Collections: Economics
• Subjects: 300 Social sciences > 320 Political science; 300 Social sciences > 330 Economics
• Language: English