The paper explores how elites can develop capacity for collective agency through coordination. Elites' challenge is to … simultaneously deter the state from abusing power while at the same time relying on it to discipline defectors in their midst. The … basic insight holds that the credibility of the state’s threats depends on the cost of carrying them out, which elites can …

) and civil society (representing non-elite citizens), where both players can invest to increase their power. The model …. We develop a dynamic contest model of the potential competition between state (controlled by a ruler or a group of elites …

) and civil society (representing non-elite citizens), where both players can invest to increase their power. The model …. We develop a dynamic contest model of the potential competition between state (controlled by a ruler or a group of elites …

society consists of rich and poor individuals. The rich are initially in power, but expect to transition to democracy, which … rents for bureaucrats than would an efficient state structure. When the poor come to power in democracy, they will reform …

society consists of rich and poor individuals. The rich are initially in power, but expect to transition to democracy, which … rents for bureaucrats than would an efficient state structure. When the poor come to power in democracy, they will reform …