The Security Factor in The Political Economy of Development

Author/Editor:

Martin C. McGuire

Publication Date:

March 1, 1998

Electronic Access:

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Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

A country’s judiciary, police, and security forces are essential to protect the State from external aggression. By virtue of the State’s monopoly of coercion, they maintain a stable legal framework and the safety of persons and property. All these activities enhance a society’s productivity, but they also sustain the particular political regime—and its redistributive ethic—in power. They absorb resources, but they also waste them, since security forces tend to be rent-seekers. This paper analyzes both the productive and the unproductive side of security provision and shows that the balance depends on the nature of the political regime.

Series:

Working Paper No. 1998/033

Subject:

Expenditure Financial institutions Production Productivity Revenue administration Securities Tax collection Tax incentives

English

Publication Date:

March 1, 1998

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451979381/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA0331998

Pages:

41

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