. We develop a dynamic contest model of the potential competition between state (controlled by a ruler or a group of elites … leads to different types of steady states depending on initial conditions. One type of steady state, corresponding to a weak … state, emerges when civil society is strong relative to the state (e.g., having developed social norms limiting political …

conduct an empirical investigation of the impact of one key set of institutions, the capacity of the US state as proxied by … the way in which the US created an immensely capable and effective state …

While much research in political economy points out the benefits of "limited government," political scientists have … regulate the economy and to withstand the political and social challenges from non-state actors. I construct a model in which … the state apparatus is controlled by a self-interested ruler, who tries to divert resources for his own consumption, but …

While much research in political economy points out the benefits of "limited government," political scientists have … regulate the economy and to withstand the political and social challenges from non-state actors. I construct a model in which … the state apparatus is controlled by a self-interested ruler, who tries to divert resources for his own consumption, but …