According to the contract theory of the state, individuals give up their freedom to a specialist in violence who then provides public goods, such as private property rights and collective defense. The predatory perspective views the state as expropriating what it can unless individuals develop...

Intro -- Anthony de Jasay, The State -- Front Matter -- Title Page -- Copyright Details -- Table of Contents, p. vii -- Preface, p. ix -- Author's Note, p. xi -- The State -- Introduction, p. 1 -- 1. The Capitalist State, p. 16 -- Violence, Obedience, Preference, p. 16 -- Title and Contract, p....