New Books in World Affairs Paul R. Beckett, "An Anatomy of Tax Havens: Europe, the Caribbean and the United States of America" (de Gruyter, 2023)
Jun 30, 2025
Paul R. Beckett, a lawyer and academic specializing in tax law and cryptocurrencies, dives into the evolution of tax havens from exclusive shelters to accessible tools for the masses. He discusses their socio-economic impacts, the challenges of regulating these obscure financial structures, and the misuse of legal loopholes by the ultra-wealthy. Beckett also examines the effects of tax havens on global politics, environmental concerns, and local communities, shedding light on the darker side of these financial practices and the urgent need for transparency.
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Diverse Nature of Tax Havens
- Tax havens vary greatly and can be locations or non-physical entities like blockchain.
- They offer ways to avoid accountability legally or practically, beyond just low taxes.
Tax Havens' Evolution and Dependency
- Tax havens began post-WWII as low-tax places for the wealthy but evolved into complex, dependent financial centers.
- Their economies rely heavily on finance, lacking alternative industries, causing vulnerability if finance leaves.
Tax Havens' Tools to Avoid Accountability
- Tax havens use legal tools like no foreign judgment enforcement, short limitation periods, and anonymous ownership.
- Some jurisdictions have structures that can change legal form to avoid accountability and ownership disclosure.
