Radio Rothbard Taxes and the Rise of the Modern State
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Nov 7, 2025 Discover how the modern state emerged from the evolution of taxation over centuries. Delve into the defining features of the tax state, including its centralization and discretionary spending. Explore the shift from medieval governing contracts to centralized authority. Learn how war influenced the regularization of taxes, pushing rulers to adapt. Gain insight into historical constraints on medieval rulers' taxing power and the cultural attitudes toward property that shaped resistance to taxation.
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Study Origins To Weaken State Power
- To weaken the modern state, study its historical origins and the institutional role of taxation.
- Understanding how central taxation grew helps design strategies to deconstruct state power.
Recommended Further Reading
- Ryan McMaken references his book Breaking Away and edited volumes as further reading on state origins.
- He points listeners to Mises Institute publications for deeper historical sources.
Tax State Defined By Central Revenue Control
- The modern state is essentially a "tax state" defined by centralized, unilateral taxation and discretionary spending.
- Taxes function as general revenue, not fees tied to specific services, which transforms political power and sovereignty.
