Cover IMF Working Papers
The Security Factor in The Political Economy of Development
Author:
Mr. Martin C. McGuirenull

Search for other papers by Mr. Martin C. McGuire in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMedClose
Series:
IMF Working Papers
Volume/Issue:
Volume 1998: Issue 033
Language:
English
Publication Date:
01 Mar 1998
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5089/9781451979381.001
ISBN:
9781451979381
ISSN:
1018-5941
Pages:
41
Keywords:
WP; political economy; public goods; national product; Security; Economic Conflict; Wealth Distribution; Governance; Institutions of Development; unproductive government outlay; government policy; captive-of-the-military government; regime support; property right; security outlay; tax monopoly; government behavior; monopoly use; aggressor country; security expenditures of government; Securities; Tax collection; Productivity; East Asia
Legal-disclaimer:
IMF Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to encourage debate. The views expressed in IMF Working Papers are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF, its Executive Board, or IMF management.
Download PDF (1.8 MB) Download Epub
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.
  • Collapse
  • Expand
Cover IMF Working Papers
IMF Working Papers
ISSN:
1018-5941
Publisher:
International Monetary Fund
Volume 1998: Issue 033