The Intelligence from The Economist State of profusion: governments just keep growing
Nov 19, 2021
Colin Williams, a senior economics writer at The Economist with expertise in government spending, joins Avantika Chulkati, an international correspondent and philanthropy expert. They discuss the constant expansion of government size and spending influenced by globalization and public demand. The conversation shifts to Mackenzie Scott's revolutionary $8.6 billion philanthropic approach, which empowers smaller charities. Lastly, they explore the impact of Morocco's penal code on tourism, highlighting tensions between tradition and economic considerations.
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Ever-Growing Government
- Government spending has grown steadily since the 18th and 19th centuries, accelerating during wartime.
- Post-war spending rarely returns to pre-war levels, leading to ever-increasing government size.
Shifting Role of Government
- The purpose of government has expanded beyond core functions.
- Governments now regulate industries, working conditions, and provide social welfare programs like healthcare.
Drivers of Growth
- Bureaucratic incentives favor introducing new programs over eliminating existing ones.
- Globalization necessitates codifying more areas like trade and immigration, contributing to government growth.