The Size and Number of Nations - cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com · Czechoslovakia !The Czech Republic and...

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States The Size and Number of Nations March 11, 2013 1/38

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Page 1: The Size and Number of Nations - cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com · Czechoslovakia !The Czech Republic and Slovakia, Yugoslavia !Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia,

Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

March 11, 2013

1/38

Page 2: The Size and Number of Nations - cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com · Czechoslovakia !The Czech Republic and Slovakia, Yugoslavia !Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia,

Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Some motivating observations

1815 to 2012 number of sovereign states 38 → 195.Since 1861 this increase has been almost monotonicAverage geographic size of a state has fallen monotonicallysince 1881- today approximately half of what it was in 1881.Explanatory factors

The creation of states from ”peripheral” territoriesThe break up of European colonial empiresThe dissolution of pre-existing sovereign states

Examples

Czechoslovakia → The Czech Republic and Slovakia,Yugoslavia → Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia,Montenegro, Slovenia, Macedonia, and KosovoEthiopia → Ethiopia and EritreaIndia → India and Pakistan, and Pakistan → Pakistan andBangladeshVery recently Sudan → Sudan and South Sudan

2/38

Page 3: The Size and Number of Nations - cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com · Czechoslovakia !The Czech Republic and Slovakia, Yugoslavia !Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia,

Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Some motivating observations

1815 to 2012 number of sovereign states 38 → 195.

Since 1861 this increase has been almost monotonicAverage geographic size of a state has fallen monotonicallysince 1881- today approximately half of what it was in 1881.Explanatory factors

The creation of states from ”peripheral” territoriesThe break up of European colonial empiresThe dissolution of pre-existing sovereign states

Examples

Czechoslovakia → The Czech Republic and Slovakia,Yugoslavia → Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia,Montenegro, Slovenia, Macedonia, and KosovoEthiopia → Ethiopia and EritreaIndia → India and Pakistan, and Pakistan → Pakistan andBangladeshVery recently Sudan → Sudan and South Sudan

2/38

Page 4: The Size and Number of Nations - cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com · Czechoslovakia !The Czech Republic and Slovakia, Yugoslavia !Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia,

Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Some motivating observations

1815 to 2012 number of sovereign states 38 → 195.Since 1861 this increase has been almost monotonic

Average geographic size of a state has fallen monotonicallysince 1881- today approximately half of what it was in 1881.Explanatory factors

The creation of states from ”peripheral” territoriesThe break up of European colonial empiresThe dissolution of pre-existing sovereign states

Examples

Czechoslovakia → The Czech Republic and Slovakia,Yugoslavia → Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia,Montenegro, Slovenia, Macedonia, and KosovoEthiopia → Ethiopia and EritreaIndia → India and Pakistan, and Pakistan → Pakistan andBangladeshVery recently Sudan → Sudan and South Sudan

2/38

Page 5: The Size and Number of Nations - cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com · Czechoslovakia !The Czech Republic and Slovakia, Yugoslavia !Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia,

Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Some motivating observations

1815 to 2012 number of sovereign states 38 → 195.Since 1861 this increase has been almost monotonicAverage geographic size of a state has fallen monotonicallysince 1881- today approximately half of what it was in 1881.

Explanatory factors

The creation of states from ”peripheral” territoriesThe break up of European colonial empiresThe dissolution of pre-existing sovereign states

Examples

Czechoslovakia → The Czech Republic and Slovakia,Yugoslavia → Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia,Montenegro, Slovenia, Macedonia, and KosovoEthiopia → Ethiopia and EritreaIndia → India and Pakistan, and Pakistan → Pakistan andBangladeshVery recently Sudan → Sudan and South Sudan

2/38

Page 6: The Size and Number of Nations - cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com · Czechoslovakia !The Czech Republic and Slovakia, Yugoslavia !Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia,

Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Some motivating observations

1815 to 2012 number of sovereign states 38 → 195.Since 1861 this increase has been almost monotonicAverage geographic size of a state has fallen monotonicallysince 1881- today approximately half of what it was in 1881.Explanatory factors

The creation of states from ”peripheral” territoriesThe break up of European colonial empiresThe dissolution of pre-existing sovereign states

Examples

Czechoslovakia → The Czech Republic and Slovakia,Yugoslavia → Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia,Montenegro, Slovenia, Macedonia, and KosovoEthiopia → Ethiopia and EritreaIndia → India and Pakistan, and Pakistan → Pakistan andBangladeshVery recently Sudan → Sudan and South Sudan

2/38

Page 7: The Size and Number of Nations - cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com · Czechoslovakia !The Czech Republic and Slovakia, Yugoslavia !Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia,

Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Some motivating observations

1815 to 2012 number of sovereign states 38 → 195.Since 1861 this increase has been almost monotonicAverage geographic size of a state has fallen monotonicallysince 1881- today approximately half of what it was in 1881.Explanatory factors

The creation of states from ”peripheral” territories

The break up of European colonial empiresThe dissolution of pre-existing sovereign states

Examples

Czechoslovakia → The Czech Republic and Slovakia,Yugoslavia → Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia,Montenegro, Slovenia, Macedonia, and KosovoEthiopia → Ethiopia and EritreaIndia → India and Pakistan, and Pakistan → Pakistan andBangladeshVery recently Sudan → Sudan and South Sudan

2/38

Page 8: The Size and Number of Nations - cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com · Czechoslovakia !The Czech Republic and Slovakia, Yugoslavia !Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia,

Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Some motivating observations

1815 to 2012 number of sovereign states 38 → 195.Since 1861 this increase has been almost monotonicAverage geographic size of a state has fallen monotonicallysince 1881- today approximately half of what it was in 1881.Explanatory factors

The creation of states from ”peripheral” territoriesThe break up of European colonial empires

The dissolution of pre-existing sovereign states

Examples

Czechoslovakia → The Czech Republic and Slovakia,Yugoslavia → Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia,Montenegro, Slovenia, Macedonia, and KosovoEthiopia → Ethiopia and EritreaIndia → India and Pakistan, and Pakistan → Pakistan andBangladeshVery recently Sudan → Sudan and South Sudan

2/38

Page 9: The Size and Number of Nations - cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com · Czechoslovakia !The Czech Republic and Slovakia, Yugoslavia !Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia,

Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Some motivating observations

1815 to 2012 number of sovereign states 38 → 195.Since 1861 this increase has been almost monotonicAverage geographic size of a state has fallen monotonicallysince 1881- today approximately half of what it was in 1881.Explanatory factors

The creation of states from ”peripheral” territoriesThe break up of European colonial empiresThe dissolution of pre-existing sovereign states

Examples

Czechoslovakia → The Czech Republic and Slovakia,Yugoslavia → Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia,Montenegro, Slovenia, Macedonia, and KosovoEthiopia → Ethiopia and EritreaIndia → India and Pakistan, and Pakistan → Pakistan andBangladeshVery recently Sudan → Sudan and South Sudan

2/38

Page 10: The Size and Number of Nations - cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com · Czechoslovakia !The Czech Republic and Slovakia, Yugoslavia !Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia,

Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Some motivating observations

1815 to 2012 number of sovereign states 38 → 195.Since 1861 this increase has been almost monotonicAverage geographic size of a state has fallen monotonicallysince 1881- today approximately half of what it was in 1881.Explanatory factors

The creation of states from ”peripheral” territoriesThe break up of European colonial empiresThe dissolution of pre-existing sovereign states

Examples

Czechoslovakia → The Czech Republic and Slovakia,Yugoslavia → Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia,Montenegro, Slovenia, Macedonia, and KosovoEthiopia → Ethiopia and EritreaIndia → India and Pakistan, and Pakistan → Pakistan andBangladeshVery recently Sudan → Sudan and South Sudan

2/38

Page 11: The Size and Number of Nations - cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com · Czechoslovakia !The Czech Republic and Slovakia, Yugoslavia !Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia,

Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Some motivating observations

1815 to 2012 number of sovereign states 38 → 195.Since 1861 this increase has been almost monotonicAverage geographic size of a state has fallen monotonicallysince 1881- today approximately half of what it was in 1881.Explanatory factors

The creation of states from ”peripheral” territoriesThe break up of European colonial empiresThe dissolution of pre-existing sovereign states

Examples

Czechoslovakia → The Czech Republic and Slovakia,

Yugoslavia → Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia,Montenegro, Slovenia, Macedonia, and KosovoEthiopia → Ethiopia and EritreaIndia → India and Pakistan, and Pakistan → Pakistan andBangladeshVery recently Sudan → Sudan and South Sudan

2/38

Page 12: The Size and Number of Nations - cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com · Czechoslovakia !The Czech Republic and Slovakia, Yugoslavia !Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia,

Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Some motivating observations

1815 to 2012 number of sovereign states 38 → 195.Since 1861 this increase has been almost monotonicAverage geographic size of a state has fallen monotonicallysince 1881- today approximately half of what it was in 1881.Explanatory factors

The creation of states from ”peripheral” territoriesThe break up of European colonial empiresThe dissolution of pre-existing sovereign states

Examples

Czechoslovakia → The Czech Republic and Slovakia,Yugoslavia → Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia,Montenegro, Slovenia, Macedonia, and Kosovo

Ethiopia → Ethiopia and EritreaIndia → India and Pakistan, and Pakistan → Pakistan andBangladeshVery recently Sudan → Sudan and South Sudan

2/38

Page 13: The Size and Number of Nations - cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com · Czechoslovakia !The Czech Republic and Slovakia, Yugoslavia !Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia,

Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Some motivating observations

1815 to 2012 number of sovereign states 38 → 195.Since 1861 this increase has been almost monotonicAverage geographic size of a state has fallen monotonicallysince 1881- today approximately half of what it was in 1881.Explanatory factors

The creation of states from ”peripheral” territoriesThe break up of European colonial empiresThe dissolution of pre-existing sovereign states

Examples

Czechoslovakia → The Czech Republic and Slovakia,Yugoslavia → Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia,Montenegro, Slovenia, Macedonia, and KosovoEthiopia → Ethiopia and Eritrea

India → India and Pakistan, and Pakistan → Pakistan andBangladeshVery recently Sudan → Sudan and South Sudan

2/38

Page 14: The Size and Number of Nations - cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com · Czechoslovakia !The Czech Republic and Slovakia, Yugoslavia !Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia,

Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Some motivating observations

1815 to 2012 number of sovereign states 38 → 195.Since 1861 this increase has been almost monotonicAverage geographic size of a state has fallen monotonicallysince 1881- today approximately half of what it was in 1881.Explanatory factors

The creation of states from ”peripheral” territoriesThe break up of European colonial empiresThe dissolution of pre-existing sovereign states

Examples

Czechoslovakia → The Czech Republic and Slovakia,Yugoslavia → Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia,Montenegro, Slovenia, Macedonia, and KosovoEthiopia → Ethiopia and EritreaIndia → India and Pakistan, and Pakistan → Pakistan andBangladesh

Very recently Sudan → Sudan and South Sudan

2/38

Page 15: The Size and Number of Nations - cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com · Czechoslovakia !The Czech Republic and Slovakia, Yugoslavia !Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia,

Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Some motivating observations

1815 to 2012 number of sovereign states 38 → 195.Since 1861 this increase has been almost monotonicAverage geographic size of a state has fallen monotonicallysince 1881- today approximately half of what it was in 1881.Explanatory factors

The creation of states from ”peripheral” territoriesThe break up of European colonial empiresThe dissolution of pre-existing sovereign states

Examples

Czechoslovakia → The Czech Republic and Slovakia,Yugoslavia → Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia,Montenegro, Slovenia, Macedonia, and KosovoEthiopia → Ethiopia and EritreaIndia → India and Pakistan, and Pakistan → Pakistan andBangladeshVery recently Sudan → Sudan and South Sudan

2/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

More to come - de facto new states

Azwad in MaliPalestine in IsrealNagarno-Karabkh in AzerbaijanSouth Ossetia in GeorgiaRepublic of Somaliland in SomailiaWestern Sahara Free Zone in MorrocoAbkhazia in GeorgiaTransnistria and Gagauzia in Moldova

There are currently separatist movements operating in 28African countries.

3/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

More to come - de facto new states

Azwad in MaliPalestine in IsrealNagarno-Karabkh in AzerbaijanSouth Ossetia in GeorgiaRepublic of Somaliland in SomailiaWestern Sahara Free Zone in MorrocoAbkhazia in GeorgiaTransnistria and Gagauzia in Moldova

There are currently separatist movements operating in 28African countries.

3/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Questions

What determines the optimal size and number of nations?Are the countries we see optimal?If the countries we see are not optimal why not?If countries break up, why do they do so?

Possible answers

Countries exist to share the costs of public good provisionWhether or not a country is optimal depends on the politicalprocess that determines its bordersCountries break up because of the threat of internal conflict

4/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Questions

What determines the optimal size and number of nations?

Are the countries we see optimal?If the countries we see are not optimal why not?If countries break up, why do they do so?

Possible answers

Countries exist to share the costs of public good provisionWhether or not a country is optimal depends on the politicalprocess that determines its bordersCountries break up because of the threat of internal conflict

4/38

Page 20: The Size and Number of Nations - cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com · Czechoslovakia !The Czech Republic and Slovakia, Yugoslavia !Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia,

Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Questions

What determines the optimal size and number of nations?Are the countries we see optimal?

If the countries we see are not optimal why not?If countries break up, why do they do so?

Possible answers

Countries exist to share the costs of public good provisionWhether or not a country is optimal depends on the politicalprocess that determines its bordersCountries break up because of the threat of internal conflict

4/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Questions

What determines the optimal size and number of nations?Are the countries we see optimal?If the countries we see are not optimal why not?

If countries break up, why do they do so?

Possible answers

Countries exist to share the costs of public good provisionWhether or not a country is optimal depends on the politicalprocess that determines its bordersCountries break up because of the threat of internal conflict

4/38

Page 22: The Size and Number of Nations - cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com · Czechoslovakia !The Czech Republic and Slovakia, Yugoslavia !Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia,

Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Questions

What determines the optimal size and number of nations?Are the countries we see optimal?If the countries we see are not optimal why not?If countries break up, why do they do so?

Possible answers

Countries exist to share the costs of public good provisionWhether or not a country is optimal depends on the politicalprocess that determines its bordersCountries break up because of the threat of internal conflict

4/38

Page 23: The Size and Number of Nations - cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com · Czechoslovakia !The Czech Republic and Slovakia, Yugoslavia !Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia,

Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Questions

What determines the optimal size and number of nations?Are the countries we see optimal?If the countries we see are not optimal why not?If countries break up, why do they do so?

Possible answers

Countries exist to share the costs of public good provisionWhether or not a country is optimal depends on the politicalprocess that determines its bordersCountries break up because of the threat of internal conflict

4/38

Page 24: The Size and Number of Nations - cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com · Czechoslovakia !The Czech Republic and Slovakia, Yugoslavia !Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia,

Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Questions

What determines the optimal size and number of nations?Are the countries we see optimal?If the countries we see are not optimal why not?If countries break up, why do they do so?

Possible answers

Countries exist to share the costs of public good provision

Whether or not a country is optimal depends on the politicalprocess that determines its bordersCountries break up because of the threat of internal conflict

4/38

Page 25: The Size and Number of Nations - cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com · Czechoslovakia !The Czech Republic and Slovakia, Yugoslavia !Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia,

Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Questions

What determines the optimal size and number of nations?Are the countries we see optimal?If the countries we see are not optimal why not?If countries break up, why do they do so?

Possible answers

Countries exist to share the costs of public good provisionWhether or not a country is optimal depends on the politicalprocess that determines its borders

Countries break up because of the threat of internal conflict

4/38

Page 26: The Size and Number of Nations - cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com · Czechoslovakia !The Czech Republic and Slovakia, Yugoslavia !Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia,

Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Questions

What determines the optimal size and number of nations?Are the countries we see optimal?If the countries we see are not optimal why not?If countries break up, why do they do so?

Possible answers

Countries exist to share the costs of public good provisionWhether or not a country is optimal depends on the politicalprocess that determines its bordersCountries break up because of the threat of internal conflict

4/38

Page 27: The Size and Number of Nations - cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com · Czechoslovakia !The Czech Republic and Slovakia, Yugoslavia !Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia,

Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Public Good Provision and the Optimal Number of Countries

To find the optimal size of a country and therefore the optimalnumber we need to look at the costs and benefits of making acountry larger

Benefits - fixed cost such as the provision of public goods likedefense are shared between more individualsCosts - the country will be more heterogeneous so theprovision of a public good may be further on average fromeach individuals ideal

5/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Public Good Provision and the Optimal Number of CountriesTo find the optimal size of a country and therefore the optimalnumber we need to look at the costs and benefits of making acountry larger

Benefits - fixed cost such as the provision of public goods likedefense are shared between more individualsCosts - the country will be more heterogeneous so theprovision of a public good may be further on average fromeach individuals ideal

5/38

Page 29: The Size and Number of Nations - cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com · Czechoslovakia !The Czech Republic and Slovakia, Yugoslavia !Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia,

Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Public Good Provision and the Optimal Number of CountriesTo find the optimal size of a country and therefore the optimalnumber we need to look at the costs and benefits of making acountry larger

Benefits - fixed cost such as the provision of public goods likedefense are shared between more individuals

Costs - the country will be more heterogeneous so theprovision of a public good may be further on average fromeach individuals ideal

5/38

Page 30: The Size and Number of Nations - cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com · Czechoslovakia !The Czech Republic and Slovakia, Yugoslavia !Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia,

Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Public Good Provision and the Optimal Number of CountriesTo find the optimal size of a country and therefore the optimalnumber we need to look at the costs and benefits of making acountry larger

Benefits - fixed cost such as the provision of public goods likedefense are shared between more individualsCosts - the country will be more heterogeneous so theprovision of a public good may be further on average fromeach individuals ideal

5/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Simple Model

Citizens

Assume individuals are located uniformly on the unit lineThe distance between two individuals may representgeographical distance or the difference in their preferencesover a public good

6/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Simple ModelCitizens

Assume individuals are located uniformly on the unit lineThe distance between two individuals may representgeographical distance or the difference in their preferencesover a public good

6/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Simple ModelCitizens

Assume individuals are located uniformly on the unit line

The distance between two individuals may representgeographical distance or the difference in their preferencesover a public good

6/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Simple ModelCitizens

Assume individuals are located uniformly on the unit lineThe distance between two individuals may representgeographical distance or the difference in their preferencesover a public good

6/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Simple Model

Citizens Preferences

ui = y + g − al − t

Where

y - incomeg - fixed benefit from a public goodl - distance of the public good from citizen i ’s locationt- taxa - fixed parameter - attitude to heterogeneity

Citizens are identical except for location

7/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Simple Model

Citizens Preferences

ui = y + g − al − t

Where

y - incomeg - fixed benefit from a public goodl - distance of the public good from citizen i ’s locationt- taxa - fixed parameter - attitude to heterogeneity

Citizens are identical except for location

7/38

Page 37: The Size and Number of Nations - cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com · Czechoslovakia !The Czech Republic and Slovakia, Yugoslavia !Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia,

Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Simple Model

Citizens Preferences

ui = y + g − al − t

Where

y - incomeg - fixed benefit from a public goodl - distance of the public good from citizen i ’s locationt- taxa - fixed parameter - attitude to heterogeneity

Citizens are identical except for location

7/38

Page 38: The Size and Number of Nations - cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com · Czechoslovakia !The Czech Republic and Slovakia, Yugoslavia !Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia,

Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Simple Model

Citizens Preferences

ui = y + g − al − t

Where

y - income

g - fixed benefit from a public goodl - distance of the public good from citizen i ’s locationt- taxa - fixed parameter - attitude to heterogeneity

Citizens are identical except for location

7/38

Page 39: The Size and Number of Nations - cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com · Czechoslovakia !The Czech Republic and Slovakia, Yugoslavia !Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia,

Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Simple Model

Citizens Preferences

ui = y + g − al − t

Where

y - incomeg - fixed benefit from a public good

l - distance of the public good from citizen i ’s locationt- taxa - fixed parameter - attitude to heterogeneity

Citizens are identical except for location

7/38

Page 40: The Size and Number of Nations - cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com · Czechoslovakia !The Czech Republic and Slovakia, Yugoslavia !Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia,

Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Simple Model

Citizens Preferences

ui = y + g − al − t

Where

y - incomeg - fixed benefit from a public goodl - distance of the public good from citizen i ’s location

t- taxa - fixed parameter - attitude to heterogeneity

Citizens are identical except for location

7/38

Page 41: The Size and Number of Nations - cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com · Czechoslovakia !The Czech Republic and Slovakia, Yugoslavia !Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia,

Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Simple Model

Citizens Preferences

ui = y + g − al − t

Where

y - incomeg - fixed benefit from a public goodl - distance of the public good from citizen i ’s locationt- tax

a - fixed parameter - attitude to heterogeneity

Citizens are identical except for location

7/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Simple Model

Citizens Preferences

ui = y + g − al − t

Where

y - incomeg - fixed benefit from a public goodl - distance of the public good from citizen i ’s locationt- taxa - fixed parameter - attitude to heterogeneity

Citizens are identical except for location

7/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Simple Model

Citizens Preferences

ui = y + g − al − t

Where

y - incomeg - fixed benefit from a public goodl - distance of the public good from citizen i ’s locationt- taxa - fixed parameter - attitude to heterogeneity

Citizens are identical except for location

7/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of NationsSimple Model

Nations

Are represented by a partition of the unit interval into Nnation sectionsSupply a single unit of the public good at the midpoint of theinterval that defines them

8/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of NationsSimple Model

Nations

Are represented by a partition of the unit interval into Nnation sectionsSupply a single unit of the public good at the midpoint of theinterval that defines them

8/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of NationsSimple Model

NationsAre represented by a partition of the unit interval into Nnation sections

Supply a single unit of the public good at the midpoint of theinterval that defines them

8/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of NationsSimple Model

NationsAre represented by a partition of the unit interval into Nnation sectionsSupply a single unit of the public good at the midpoint of theinterval that defines them

8/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Simple Model

Nations

Each nation supplies a public good at a cost of Nk per citizenEach nation runs a balanced budget such that t = Nk

9/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Simple ModelNations

Each nation supplies a public good at a cost of Nk per citizenEach nation runs a balanced budget such that t = Nk

9/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Simple ModelNations

Each nation supplies a public good at a cost of Nk per citizen

Each nation runs a balanced budget such that t = Nk

9/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Simple ModelNations

Each nation supplies a public good at a cost of Nk per citizenEach nation runs a balanced budget such that t = Nk

9/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Simple Model

Given

Citizens are distributed uniformly on [0, 1]Public good are supplied in the center of each country

Then

Maximizing total citizen utility in a country is the same asmaximizing average citizen utility

Average citizen utility

uav = y + g − a

4N−Nk

First order condition

a

4N2− k = 0

Optimal number of countries

N∗ = (a/4k)1/2

10/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Simple ModelGiven

Citizens are distributed uniformly on [0, 1]Public good are supplied in the center of each country

Then

Maximizing total citizen utility in a country is the same asmaximizing average citizen utility

Average citizen utility

uav = y + g − a

4N−Nk

First order condition

a

4N2− k = 0

Optimal number of countries

N∗ = (a/4k)1/2

10/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Simple ModelGiven

Citizens are distributed uniformly on [0, 1]

Public good are supplied in the center of each country

Then

Maximizing total citizen utility in a country is the same asmaximizing average citizen utility

Average citizen utility

uav = y + g − a

4N−Nk

First order condition

a

4N2− k = 0

Optimal number of countries

N∗ = (a/4k)1/2

10/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Simple ModelGiven

Citizens are distributed uniformly on [0, 1]Public good are supplied in the center of each country

Then

Maximizing total citizen utility in a country is the same asmaximizing average citizen utility

Average citizen utility

uav = y + g − a

4N−Nk

First order condition

a

4N2− k = 0

Optimal number of countries

N∗ = (a/4k)1/2

10/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Simple ModelGiven

Citizens are distributed uniformly on [0, 1]Public good are supplied in the center of each country

Then

Maximizing total citizen utility in a country is the same asmaximizing average citizen utility

Average citizen utility

uav = y + g − a

4N−Nk

First order condition

a

4N2− k = 0

Optimal number of countries

N∗ = (a/4k)1/2

10/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Simple ModelGiven

Citizens are distributed uniformly on [0, 1]Public good are supplied in the center of each country

ThenMaximizing total citizen utility in a country is the same asmaximizing average citizen utility

Average citizen utility

uav = y + g − a

4N−Nk

First order condition

a

4N2− k = 0

Optimal number of countries

N∗ = (a/4k)1/2

10/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Simple ModelGiven

Citizens are distributed uniformly on [0, 1]Public good are supplied in the center of each country

ThenMaximizing total citizen utility in a country is the same asmaximizing average citizen utility

Average citizen utility

uav = y + g − a

4N−Nk

First order condition

a

4N2− k = 0

Optimal number of countries

N∗ = (a/4k)1/2

10/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Simple ModelGiven

Citizens are distributed uniformly on [0, 1]Public good are supplied in the center of each country

ThenMaximizing total citizen utility in a country is the same asmaximizing average citizen utility

Average citizen utility

uav = y + g − a

4N−Nk

First order condition

a

4N2− k = 0

Optimal number of countries

N∗ = (a/4k)1/2

10/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Simple ModelGiven

Citizens are distributed uniformly on [0, 1]Public good are supplied in the center of each country

ThenMaximizing total citizen utility in a country is the same asmaximizing average citizen utility

Average citizen utility

uav = y + g − a

4N−Nk

First order condition

a

4N2− k = 0

Optimal number of countries

N∗ = (a/4k)1/2

10/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Simple Model

Examples N∗ = 1 and N∗ = 2

11/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Simple Model

Examples N∗ = 1 and N∗ = 2

11/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Simple Model

Given the optimal number of countries

N∗ = (a/4k)1/2

We conclude the optimal number of countries

Is increasing in heterogeneity aIs decreasing in the cost of pubic good provision k

12/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Simple Model

Given the optimal number of countries

N∗ = (a/4k)1/2

We conclude the optimal number of countries

Is increasing in heterogeneity aIs decreasing in the cost of pubic good provision k

12/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Simple Model

Given the optimal number of countries

N∗ = (a/4k)1/2

We conclude the optimal number of countries

Is increasing in heterogeneity aIs decreasing in the cost of pubic good provision k

12/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Simple Model

Given the optimal number of countries

N∗ = (a/4k)1/2

We conclude the optimal number of countries

Is increasing in heterogeneity a

Is decreasing in the cost of pubic good provision k

12/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Simple Model

Given the optimal number of countries

N∗ = (a/4k)1/2

We conclude the optimal number of countries

Is increasing in heterogeneity aIs decreasing in the cost of pubic good provision k

12/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Majority voting and the number of nations

The question here is; if citizens voted over N would theychoose the optimal N∗

We shall consider a simple example to show that undermajority voting N 6= N∗

We shall compare a single unified country with one split intotwo

If N = 1 the utility of the average citizen is

uN=1 = y + g − a

4− k

If N = 2 the utility of the average citizen is

uN=2 = y + g − a

8− 2k

13/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Majority voting and the number of nations

The question here is; if citizens voted over N would theychoose the optimal N∗

We shall consider a simple example to show that undermajority voting N 6= N∗

We shall compare a single unified country with one split intotwo

If N = 1 the utility of the average citizen is

uN=1 = y + g − a

4− k

If N = 2 the utility of the average citizen is

uN=2 = y + g − a

8− 2k

13/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Majority voting and the number of nations

The question here is; if citizens voted over N would theychoose the optimal N∗

We shall consider a simple example to show that undermajority voting N 6= N∗

We shall compare a single unified country with one split intotwo

If N = 1 the utility of the average citizen is

uN=1 = y + g − a

4− k

If N = 2 the utility of the average citizen is

uN=2 = y + g − a

8− 2k

13/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Majority voting and the number of nations

The question here is; if citizens voted over N would theychoose the optimal N∗

We shall consider a simple example to show that undermajority voting N 6= N∗

We shall compare a single unified country with one split intotwo

If N = 1 the utility of the average citizen is

uN=1 = y + g − a

4− k

If N = 2 the utility of the average citizen is

uN=2 = y + g − a

8− 2k

13/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Majority voting and the number of nations

The question here is; if citizens voted over N would theychoose the optimal N∗

We shall consider a simple example to show that undermajority voting N 6= N∗

We shall compare a single unified country with one split intotwo

If N = 1 the utility of the average citizen is

uN=1 = y + g − a

4− k

If N = 2 the utility of the average citizen is

uN=2 = y + g − a

8− 2k

13/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Majority voting and the number of nations

The question here is; if citizens voted over N would theychoose the optimal N∗

We shall consider a simple example to show that undermajority voting N 6= N∗

We shall compare a single unified country with one split intotwo

If N = 1 the utility of the average citizen is

uN=1 = y + g − a

4− k

If N = 2 the utility of the average citizen is

uN=2 = y + g − a

8− 2k

13/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Average utility is higher in the one country world if

y + g − a

4− k > y + g − a

8− 2k

=⇒ k >a

8

Which we shall assume holds

But would a majority vote to keep the country unified or tosplit it in two?

14/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Average utility is higher in the one country world if

y + g − a

4− k > y + g − a

8− 2k

=⇒ k >a

8

Which we shall assume holds

But would a majority vote to keep the country unified or tosplit it in two?

14/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Average utility is higher in the one country world if

y + g − a

4− k > y + g − a

8− 2k

=⇒ k >a

8

Which we shall assume holds

But would a majority vote to keep the country unified or tosplit it in two?

14/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Consider the voters located at 1/4 and 3/4

These are the voters located in the centers of the twocountries if the country dividesThese voters are indifferent between N = 1 and N = 2 if

y + g − a

4− k = y + g − 2k

=⇒ k =a

4

So if k < a4 these individuals prefer to split the country into

two

15/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Consider the voters located at 1/4 and 3/4

These are the voters located in the centers of the twocountries if the country divides

These voters are indifferent between N = 1 and N = 2 if

y + g − a

4− k = y + g − 2k

=⇒ k =a

4

So if k < a4 these individuals prefer to split the country into

two

15/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Consider the voters located at 1/4 and 3/4

These are the voters located in the centers of the twocountries if the country dividesThese voters are indifferent between N = 1 and N = 2 if

y + g − a

4− k = y + g − 2k

=⇒ k =a

4

So if k < a4 these individuals prefer to split the country into

two

15/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Consider the voters located at 1/4 and 3/4

These are the voters located in the centers of the twocountries if the country dividesThese voters are indifferent between N = 1 and N = 2 if

y + g − a

4− k = y + g − 2k

=⇒ k =a

4

So if k < a4 these individuals prefer to split the country into

two

15/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Consider the voters located on [0, 1/4) and (3/4, 1] who

Face the same decrease in the distance of the public goodfrom their preferred location as the 1/4 and 3/4 individualsFace the same increase in taxes k → 2k as the 1/4 and 3/4individuals

So they also prefer to split the country in two

=⇒ Majority vote to divide the country

But if a8 < k < a

4 this is inefficient - average and total utilityis lower in the two countries

Problem is the winners have no means to compensate thelosers!

16/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Consider the voters located on [0, 1/4) and (3/4, 1] who

Face the same decrease in the distance of the public goodfrom their preferred location as the 1/4 and 3/4 individuals

Face the same increase in taxes k → 2k as the 1/4 and 3/4individuals

So they also prefer to split the country in two

=⇒ Majority vote to divide the country

But if a8 < k < a

4 this is inefficient - average and total utilityis lower in the two countries

Problem is the winners have no means to compensate thelosers!

16/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Consider the voters located on [0, 1/4) and (3/4, 1] who

Face the same decrease in the distance of the public goodfrom their preferred location as the 1/4 and 3/4 individualsFace the same increase in taxes k → 2k as the 1/4 and 3/4individuals

So they also prefer to split the country in two

=⇒ Majority vote to divide the country

But if a8 < k < a

4 this is inefficient - average and total utilityis lower in the two countries

Problem is the winners have no means to compensate thelosers!

16/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Consider the voters located on [0, 1/4) and (3/4, 1] who

Face the same decrease in the distance of the public goodfrom their preferred location as the 1/4 and 3/4 individualsFace the same increase in taxes k → 2k as the 1/4 and 3/4individuals

So they also prefer to split the country in two

=⇒ Majority vote to divide the country

But if a8 < k < a

4 this is inefficient - average and total utilityis lower in the two countries

Problem is the winners have no means to compensate thelosers!

16/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Consider the voters located on [0, 1/4) and (3/4, 1] who

Face the same decrease in the distance of the public goodfrom their preferred location as the 1/4 and 3/4 individualsFace the same increase in taxes k → 2k as the 1/4 and 3/4individuals

So they also prefer to split the country in two

=⇒ Majority vote to divide the country

But if a8 < k < a

4 this is inefficient - average and total utilityis lower in the two countries

Problem is the winners have no means to compensate thelosers!

16/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Consider the voters located on [0, 1/4) and (3/4, 1] who

Face the same decrease in the distance of the public goodfrom their preferred location as the 1/4 and 3/4 individualsFace the same increase in taxes k → 2k as the 1/4 and 3/4individuals

So they also prefer to split the country in two

=⇒ Majority vote to divide the country

But if a8 < k < a

4 this is inefficient - average and total utilityis lower in the two countries

Problem is the winners have no means to compensate thelosers!

16/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Consider the voters located on [0, 1/4) and (3/4, 1] who

Face the same decrease in the distance of the public goodfrom their preferred location as the 1/4 and 3/4 individualsFace the same increase in taxes k → 2k as the 1/4 and 3/4individuals

So they also prefer to split the country in two

=⇒ Majority vote to divide the country

But if a8 < k < a

4 this is inefficient - average and total utilityis lower in the two countries

Problem is the winners have no means to compensate thelosers!

16/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Conclusion: Under democracy there are too many inefficientlysmall countries

This conclusion follows because individuals on the periphery farfrom the location of public good provision pay the same taxesas those who are close, hence they vote to divide the country.It would be better to remain unified, share in the economies ofscale, and redistribute the gains

17/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Conclusion: Under democracy there are too many inefficientlysmall countries

This conclusion follows because individuals on the periphery farfrom the location of public good provision pay the same taxesas those who are close, hence they vote to divide the country.

It would be better to remain unified, share in the economies ofscale, and redistribute the gains

17/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Conclusion: Under democracy there are too many inefficientlysmall countries

This conclusion follows because individuals on the periphery farfrom the location of public good provision pay the same taxesas those who are close, hence they vote to divide the country.It would be better to remain unified, share in the economies ofscale, and redistribute the gains

17/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Suppose that instead of being determined by majority votecountry size is determined by ”Leviathans” autocratic regimesmotivated by self interest

It is clear that an unconstrained Leviathan would tax as muchincome as possible from citizens, and provide the minimumlevel of the public good

We now ask how large countries might be if their governmentswere Leviathans, and how this compares to the optimum andto democracy

18/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Suppose that instead of being determined by majority votecountry size is determined by ”Leviathans” autocratic regimesmotivated by self interest

It is clear that an unconstrained Leviathan would tax as muchincome as possible from citizens, and provide the minimumlevel of the public good

We now ask how large countries might be if their governmentswere Leviathans, and how this compares to the optimum andto democracy

18/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Suppose that instead of being determined by majority votecountry size is determined by ”Leviathans” autocratic regimesmotivated by self interest

It is clear that an unconstrained Leviathan would tax as muchincome as possible from citizens, and provide the minimumlevel of the public good

We now ask how large countries might be if their governmentswere Leviathans, and how this compares to the optimum andto democracy

18/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Clearly an unconstrained Leviathan prefers a world empire, soit becomes important to specify the constraints that it faces

We assume a Leviathan

Need the support of at least some proportion of the citizens -let this be δMust provide some minimal utility to it’s supporters - let thisbe u0

We further assume

The Leviathans collude to maximize their joint net revenuesThink of the interrelated European royal families of 150-200years ago

19/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Clearly an unconstrained Leviathan prefers a world empire, soit becomes important to specify the constraints that it faces

We assume a Leviathan

Need the support of at least some proportion of the citizens -let this be δMust provide some minimal utility to it’s supporters - let thisbe u0

We further assume

The Leviathans collude to maximize their joint net revenuesThink of the interrelated European royal families of 150-200years ago

19/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Clearly an unconstrained Leviathan prefers a world empire, soit becomes important to specify the constraints that it faces

We assume a Leviathan

Need the support of at least some proportion of the citizens -let this be δ

Must provide some minimal utility to it’s supporters - let thisbe u0

We further assume

The Leviathans collude to maximize their joint net revenuesThink of the interrelated European royal families of 150-200years ago

19/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Clearly an unconstrained Leviathan prefers a world empire, soit becomes important to specify the constraints that it faces

We assume a Leviathan

Need the support of at least some proportion of the citizens -let this be δMust provide some minimal utility to it’s supporters - let thisbe u0

We further assume

The Leviathans collude to maximize their joint net revenuesThink of the interrelated European royal families of 150-200years ago

19/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Clearly an unconstrained Leviathan prefers a world empire, soit becomes important to specify the constraints that it faces

We assume a Leviathan

Need the support of at least some proportion of the citizens -let this be δMust provide some minimal utility to it’s supporters - let thisbe u0

We further assume

The Leviathans collude to maximize their joint net revenuesThink of the interrelated European royal families of 150-200years ago

19/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Clearly an unconstrained Leviathan prefers a world empire, soit becomes important to specify the constraints that it faces

We assume a Leviathan

Need the support of at least some proportion of the citizens -let this be δMust provide some minimal utility to it’s supporters - let thisbe u0

We further assume

The Leviathans collude to maximize their joint net revenues

Think of the interrelated European royal families of 150-200years ago

19/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Clearly an unconstrained Leviathan prefers a world empire, soit becomes important to specify the constraints that it faces

We assume a Leviathan

Need the support of at least some proportion of the citizens -let this be δMust provide some minimal utility to it’s supporters - let thisbe u0

We further assume

The Leviathans collude to maximize their joint net revenuesThink of the interrelated European royal families of 150-200years ago

19/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Leviathans’ joint rent maximization problem

Max t − kN

s.t. g−aδs

2+ y − t ≥ u0

by substitution and using

s = 1/Ng − aδs

2 + y − t = u0

we get

Max g − aδ

2N+ y −Nk − u0

20/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Leviathans’ joint rent maximization problem

Max t − kN

s.t. g−aδs

2+ y − t ≥ u0

by substitution and using

s = 1/Ng − aδs

2 + y − t = u0

we get

Max g − aδ

2N+ y −Nk − u0

20/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Leviathans’ joint rent maximization problem

Max t − kN

s.t. g−aδs

2+ y − t ≥ u0

by substitution and using

s = 1/N

g − aδs2 + y − t = u0

we get

Max g − aδ

2N+ y −Nk − u0

20/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Leviathans’ joint rent maximization problem

Max t − kN

s.t. g−aδs

2+ y − t ≥ u0

by substitution and using

s = 1/Ng − aδs

2 + y − t = u0

we get

Max g − aδ

2N+ y −Nk − u0

20/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Leviathans’ joint rent maximization problem

Max t − kN

s.t. g−aδs

2+ y − t ≥ u0

by substitution and using

s = 1/Ng − aδs

2 + y − t = u0

we get

Max g − aδ

2N+ y −Nk − u0

20/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Leviathans’ joint rent maximization problem

First order condition

2N2= k

which implies

Nδ =

√aδ

2k

and

tδ = g − aδ

2Nδ+ y − u0

21/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Leviathans’ joint rent maximization problem

First order condition

2N2= k

which implies

Nδ =

√aδ

2k

and

tδ = g − aδ

2Nδ+ y − u0

21/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Leviathans’ joint rent maximization problem

First order condition

2N2= k

which implies

Nδ =

√aδ

2k

and

tδ = g − aδ

2Nδ+ y − u0

21/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Leviathans’ joint rent maximization problem

First order condition

2N2= k

which implies

Nδ =

√aδ

2k

and

tδ = g − aδ

2Nδ+ y − u0

21/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Properties of the Leviathans’ solution

Given

Nδ =

√aδ

2kand tδ = g − aδ

2Nδ+ y − u0

so tδ = g −√

aδk

2+ y − u0

We see that Nδ is

Increasing in a and δDecreasing in k

We see that if Nδ varies then tδ is

Decreasing in a, δ, k and u0

Increasing in y

22/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Properties of the Leviathans’ solution

Given

Nδ =

√aδ

2kand tδ = g − aδ

2Nδ+ y − u0

so tδ = g −√

aδk

2+ y − u0

We see that Nδ is

Increasing in a and δDecreasing in k

We see that if Nδ varies then tδ is

Decreasing in a, δ, k and u0

Increasing in y

22/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Properties of the Leviathans’ solution

Given

Nδ =

√aδ

2kand tδ = g − aδ

2Nδ+ y − u0

so tδ = g −√

aδk

2+ y − u0

We see that Nδ is

Increasing in a and δDecreasing in k

We see that if Nδ varies then tδ is

Decreasing in a, δ, k and u0

Increasing in y

22/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Properties of the Leviathans’ solution

Given

Nδ =

√aδ

2kand tδ = g − aδ

2Nδ+ y − u0

so tδ = g −√

aδk

2+ y − u0

We see that Nδ is

Increasing in a and δ

Decreasing in k

We see that if Nδ varies then tδ is

Decreasing in a, δ, k and u0

Increasing in y

22/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Properties of the Leviathans’ solution

Given

Nδ =

√aδ

2kand tδ = g − aδ

2Nδ+ y − u0

so tδ = g −√

aδk

2+ y − u0

We see that Nδ is

Increasing in a and δDecreasing in k

We see that if Nδ varies then tδ is

Decreasing in a, δ, k and u0

Increasing in y

22/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Properties of the Leviathans’ solution

Given

Nδ =

√aδ

2kand tδ = g − aδ

2Nδ+ y − u0

so tδ = g −√

aδk

2+ y − u0

We see that Nδ is

Increasing in a and δDecreasing in k

We see that if Nδ varies then tδ is

Decreasing in a, δ, k and u0

Increasing in y

22/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Properties of the Leviathans’ solution

Given

Nδ =

√aδ

2kand tδ = g − aδ

2Nδ+ y − u0

so tδ = g −√

aδk

2+ y − u0

We see that Nδ is

Increasing in a and δDecreasing in k

We see that if Nδ varies then tδ is

Decreasing in a, δ, k and u0

Increasing in y

22/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Properties of the Leviathans’ solution

Given

Nδ =

√aδ

2kand tδ = g − aδ

2Nδ+ y − u0

so tδ = g −√

aδk

2+ y − u0

We see that Nδ is

Increasing in a and δDecreasing in k

We see that if Nδ varies then tδ is

Decreasing in a, δ, k and u0

Increasing in y

22/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Comparing Leviathans to the Optimum

Recall the optimal number of nations and the number underLeviathans are given by

N∗ =

√a

4kand Nδ =

√aδ

2k

So if

δ < 1/2 then Nδ < N∗

δ = 1/2 then Nδ = N∗

δ > 1/2 then Nδ > N∗

δ < 1/2 =⇒ Leviathans can rule without majority consent,and are in this sense autocratic, then there are fewer nationsthan optimal, and fewer than there would be under democracy

23/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Comparing Leviathans to the Optimum

Recall the optimal number of nations and the number underLeviathans are given by

N∗ =

√a

4kand Nδ =

√aδ

2k

So if

δ < 1/2 then Nδ < N∗

δ = 1/2 then Nδ = N∗

δ > 1/2 then Nδ > N∗

δ < 1/2 =⇒ Leviathans can rule without majority consent,and are in this sense autocratic, then there are fewer nationsthan optimal, and fewer than there would be under democracy

23/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Comparing Leviathans to the Optimum

Recall the optimal number of nations and the number underLeviathans are given by

N∗ =

√a

4kand Nδ =

√aδ

2k

So if

δ < 1/2 then Nδ < N∗

δ = 1/2 then Nδ = N∗

δ > 1/2 then Nδ > N∗

δ < 1/2 =⇒ Leviathans can rule without majority consent,and are in this sense autocratic, then there are fewer nationsthan optimal, and fewer than there would be under democracy

23/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Comparing Leviathans to the Optimum

Recall the optimal number of nations and the number underLeviathans are given by

N∗ =

√a

4kand Nδ =

√aδ

2k

So if

δ < 1/2 then Nδ < N∗

δ = 1/2 then Nδ = N∗

δ > 1/2 then Nδ > N∗

δ < 1/2 =⇒ Leviathans can rule without majority consent,and are in this sense autocratic, then there are fewer nationsthan optimal, and fewer than there would be under democracy

23/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Comparing Leviathans to the Optimum

Recall the optimal number of nations and the number underLeviathans are given by

N∗ =

√a

4kand Nδ =

√aδ

2k

So if

δ < 1/2 then Nδ < N∗

δ = 1/2 then Nδ = N∗

δ > 1/2 then Nδ > N∗

δ < 1/2 =⇒ Leviathans can rule without majority consent,and are in this sense autocratic, then there are fewer nationsthan optimal, and fewer than there would be under democracy

23/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Comparing Leviathans to the Optimum

Recall the optimal number of nations and the number underLeviathans are given by

N∗ =

√a

4kand Nδ =

√aδ

2k

So if

δ < 1/2 then Nδ < N∗

δ = 1/2 then Nδ = N∗

δ > 1/2 then Nδ > N∗

δ < 1/2 =⇒ Leviathans can rule without majority consent,and are in this sense autocratic, then there are fewer nationsthan optimal, and fewer than there would be under democracy

23/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Size and Number of Nations

Comparing Leviathans to the Optimum

Recall the optimal number of nations and the number underLeviathans are given by

N∗ =

√a

4kand Nδ =

√aδ

2k

So if

δ < 1/2 then Nδ < N∗

δ = 1/2 then Nδ = N∗

δ > 1/2 then Nδ > N∗

δ < 1/2 =⇒ Leviathans can rule without majority consent,and are in this sense autocratic, then there are fewer nationsthan optimal, and fewer than there would be under democracy

23/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of States

Well defined ethnolinguistic and cultural differences exist inmany of the examples of the dissolution of states - tribes

Differences in preferences between members of the two tribesmay be more important than any heterogeneity of preferenceswithin a tribe.

Redistributional conflict between tribes may explaindissolution of states

24/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of StatesSudan

25/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of StatesNigeria next?

26/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of States

Model

Economy populated by two tribes indexed i = 1, 2Tribes externally heterogeneousTribes internally homogeneous - respective sizes NiEach member of each tribe receives a unit endowment perperiod.Two goods - xi composite private good - z is a pure publicgoodCobb-Douglas preferences

ui (xi , z) = x1−βi

i zβi

β1 = 1/2 + ε/2β1 = 1− β2

ε ∈ [−1, 1] - distance between tribes preferences

27/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of States

Model

Economy populated by two tribes indexed i = 1, 2

Tribes externally heterogeneousTribes internally homogeneous - respective sizes NiEach member of each tribe receives a unit endowment perperiod.Two goods - xi composite private good - z is a pure publicgoodCobb-Douglas preferences

ui (xi , z) = x1−βi

i zβi

β1 = 1/2 + ε/2β1 = 1− β2

ε ∈ [−1, 1] - distance between tribes preferences

27/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of States

Model

Economy populated by two tribes indexed i = 1, 2Tribes externally heterogeneous

Tribes internally homogeneous - respective sizes NiEach member of each tribe receives a unit endowment perperiod.Two goods - xi composite private good - z is a pure publicgoodCobb-Douglas preferences

ui (xi , z) = x1−βi

i zβi

β1 = 1/2 + ε/2β1 = 1− β2

ε ∈ [−1, 1] - distance between tribes preferences

27/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of States

Model

Economy populated by two tribes indexed i = 1, 2Tribes externally heterogeneousTribes internally homogeneous - respective sizes Ni

Each member of each tribe receives a unit endowment perperiod.Two goods - xi composite private good - z is a pure publicgoodCobb-Douglas preferences

ui (xi , z) = x1−βi

i zβi

β1 = 1/2 + ε/2β1 = 1− β2

ε ∈ [−1, 1] - distance between tribes preferences

27/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of States

Model

Economy populated by two tribes indexed i = 1, 2Tribes externally heterogeneousTribes internally homogeneous - respective sizes NiEach member of each tribe receives a unit endowment perperiod.

Two goods - xi composite private good - z is a pure publicgoodCobb-Douglas preferences

ui (xi , z) = x1−βi

i zβi

β1 = 1/2 + ε/2β1 = 1− β2

ε ∈ [−1, 1] - distance between tribes preferences

27/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of States

Model

Economy populated by two tribes indexed i = 1, 2Tribes externally heterogeneousTribes internally homogeneous - respective sizes NiEach member of each tribe receives a unit endowment perperiod.Two goods - xi composite private good - z is a pure publicgood

Cobb-Douglas preferences

ui (xi , z) = x1−βi

i zβi

β1 = 1/2 + ε/2β1 = 1− β2

ε ∈ [−1, 1] - distance between tribes preferences

27/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of States

Model

Economy populated by two tribes indexed i = 1, 2Tribes externally heterogeneousTribes internally homogeneous - respective sizes NiEach member of each tribe receives a unit endowment perperiod.Two goods - xi composite private good - z is a pure publicgoodCobb-Douglas preferences

ui (xi , z) = x1−βi

i zβi

β1 = 1/2 + ε/2β1 = 1− β2

ε ∈ [−1, 1] - distance between tribes preferences

27/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of States

Model

Economy populated by two tribes indexed i = 1, 2Tribes externally heterogeneousTribes internally homogeneous - respective sizes NiEach member of each tribe receives a unit endowment perperiod.Two goods - xi composite private good - z is a pure publicgoodCobb-Douglas preferences

ui (xi , z) = x1−βi

i zβi

β1 = 1/2 + ε/2

β1 = 1− β2

ε ∈ [−1, 1] - distance between tribes preferences

27/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of States

Model

Economy populated by two tribes indexed i = 1, 2Tribes externally heterogeneousTribes internally homogeneous - respective sizes NiEach member of each tribe receives a unit endowment perperiod.Two goods - xi composite private good - z is a pure publicgoodCobb-Douglas preferences

ui (xi , z) = x1−βi

i zβi

β1 = 1/2 + ε/2β1 = 1− β2

ε ∈ [−1, 1] - distance between tribes preferences

27/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of States

Model

Economy populated by two tribes indexed i = 1, 2Tribes externally heterogeneousTribes internally homogeneous - respective sizes NiEach member of each tribe receives a unit endowment perperiod.Two goods - xi composite private good - z is a pure publicgoodCobb-Douglas preferences

ui (xi , z) = x1−βi

i zβi

β1 = 1/2 + ε/2β1 = 1− β2

ε ∈ [−1, 1] - distance between tribes preferences

27/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of States

Model

Government

Supplies public goodLevies a proportionate tax t on endowmentsRuns a balanced budget

z = t ∑i

Ni

Indirect utility function of a member of tribe i is then

vi (t, 1, ∑i

Ni ) = (1− t)1−βi (t ∑i

Ni )βi

Most preferred tax rate of a member of tribe i

t∗i = βi

Define Bi ≡ (βi )βi (1− βi )

1−βi

28/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of States

ModelGovernment

Supplies public goodLevies a proportionate tax t on endowmentsRuns a balanced budget

z = t ∑i

Ni

Indirect utility function of a member of tribe i is then

vi (t, 1, ∑i

Ni ) = (1− t)1−βi (t ∑i

Ni )βi

Most preferred tax rate of a member of tribe i

t∗i = βi

Define Bi ≡ (βi )βi (1− βi )

1−βi

28/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of States

ModelGovernment

Supplies public good

Levies a proportionate tax t on endowmentsRuns a balanced budget

z = t ∑i

Ni

Indirect utility function of a member of tribe i is then

vi (t, 1, ∑i

Ni ) = (1− t)1−βi (t ∑i

Ni )βi

Most preferred tax rate of a member of tribe i

t∗i = βi

Define Bi ≡ (βi )βi (1− βi )

1−βi

28/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of States

ModelGovernment

Supplies public goodLevies a proportionate tax t on endowments

Runs a balanced budget

z = t ∑i

Ni

Indirect utility function of a member of tribe i is then

vi (t, 1, ∑i

Ni ) = (1− t)1−βi (t ∑i

Ni )βi

Most preferred tax rate of a member of tribe i

t∗i = βi

Define Bi ≡ (βi )βi (1− βi )

1−βi

28/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of States

ModelGovernment

Supplies public goodLevies a proportionate tax t on endowmentsRuns a balanced budget

z = t ∑i

Ni

Indirect utility function of a member of tribe i is then

vi (t, 1, ∑i

Ni ) = (1− t)1−βi (t ∑i

Ni )βi

Most preferred tax rate of a member of tribe i

t∗i = βi

Define Bi ≡ (βi )βi (1− βi )

1−βi

28/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of States

ModelGovernment

Supplies public goodLevies a proportionate tax t on endowmentsRuns a balanced budget

z = t ∑i

Ni

Indirect utility function of a member of tribe i is then

vi (t, 1, ∑i

Ni ) = (1− t)1−βi (t ∑i

Ni )βi

Most preferred tax rate of a member of tribe i

t∗i = βi

Define Bi ≡ (βi )βi (1− βi )

1−βi

28/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of States

ModelGovernment

Supplies public goodLevies a proportionate tax t on endowmentsRuns a balanced budget

z = t ∑i

Ni

Indirect utility function of a member of tribe i is then

vi (t, 1, ∑i

Ni ) = (1− t)1−βi (t ∑i

Ni )βi

Most preferred tax rate of a member of tribe i

t∗i = βi

Define Bi ≡ (βi )βi (1− βi )

1−βi

28/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of States

ModelGovernment

Supplies public goodLevies a proportionate tax t on endowmentsRuns a balanced budget

z = t ∑i

Ni

Indirect utility function of a member of tribe i is then

vi (t, 1, ∑i

Ni ) = (1− t)1−βi (t ∑i

Ni )βi

Most preferred tax rate of a member of tribe i

t∗i = βi

Define Bi ≡ (βi )βi (1− βi )

1−βi

28/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of States

Question: In equilibrium will country will be unified or divided?

Infinitely repeated noncooperative game

Assume

Initially, the tribes are in a single country and WOLOG tribe 1controls the government.

29/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of States

Tribe 1 plays first and chooses between

Keeping the country united, setting the tax rate and publicgood provision levelsPeacefully and costlessly dissolving the country along triballines - the game endsEngaging in appropriation

Tribe 2 plays second and except in the case where the gamehas ended chooses between

Accepting the payoffs associated with tribe 1’s choice - inwhich case the game repeatsEngaging in a secessionist civil war - this incurs a cost thatinvolves the destruction of 1− γ of all endowment and forcesdissolution of the country - the game ends

30/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of States

Tribe 1 plays first and chooses between

Keeping the country united, setting the tax rate and publicgood provision levelsPeacefully and costlessly dissolving the country along triballines - the game endsEngaging in appropriation

Tribe 2 plays second and except in the case where the gamehas ended chooses between

Accepting the payoffs associated with tribe 1’s choice - inwhich case the game repeatsEngaging in a secessionist civil war - this incurs a cost thatinvolves the destruction of 1− γ of all endowment and forcesdissolution of the country - the game ends

30/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of States

31/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of States

Players payoffs at each node.

Node 1 and Node 4 - Civil War

vi (βi , γ,Ni ) = γBi (Ni )βi i = 1, 2

Node 2 - Unity

vi (t1, 1,N) = (1− t1)1−βi (t1N)βi i = 1, 2

Node 3 - Dissolution

vi (βi , 1,Ni ) = Bi (Ni )βi i = 1, 2

Node 5 - Appropriation

v1(β1,N/N1,N) =B1N

N1−βi1

v2(β2, 0,N) = 0

32/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of States

Notice that tribe 1 will always wish to avoid civil war hencewe get the

No Civil War Condition (NCW)

(1− t1)1−β2(t1)

β2

1− δ≥[

γ(1− δ) + δ

1− δ

]B2ω

β2

2

where ω2 = N2N is the share of tribe 2 in total endowment.

33/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of States

Notice that tribe 1 will always wish to avoid civil war hencewe get the

No Civil War Condition (NCW)

(1− t1)1−β2(t1)

β2

1− δ≥[

γ(1− δ) + δ

1− δ

]B2ω

β2

2

where ω2 = N2N is the share of tribe 2 in total endowment.

33/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of StatesSimulation Results

34/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of StatesSimulation Results

The equilibrium tends to involve dissolution - if ε is absolutelylarge

NCW constraint places tribe 1 too far from their mostpreferred tax rateAlternatively - greater threat of conflict

35/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of StatesSimulation Results

The equilibrium tends to involve dissolution - if ε is absolutelylarge

NCW constraint places tribe 1 too far from their mostpreferred tax rate

Alternatively - greater threat of conflict

35/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of StatesSimulation Results

The equilibrium tends to involve dissolution - if ε is absolutelylarge

NCW constraint places tribe 1 too far from their mostpreferred tax rateAlternatively - greater threat of conflict

35/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of StatesSimulation Results

Dissolution and relative tribe size - ω2

Tribe size effects differ depending on relative preferencesTwo countervailing effects

First the larger is tribe 2 the greater tax concession needed tosatisfy the no cvil war constraint - promotes dissolution.Second, the larger is tribe 2 the more valuable are they to tribe1 in contributing to the tax base - this tends to promote unity.

When ε ∈ (1, 0] the tax base effect dominates - dissolution astribe 2 becomes sufficiently small.When ε ∈ [−1, 0) the NCW effect dominates - dissolution astribe 2 becomes sufficiently large.Also that the greater is ω2, the greater is the tendencytowards conflict

36/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of StatesSimulation Results

Dissolution and relative tribe size - ω2

Tribe size effects differ depending on relative preferences

Two countervailing effects

First the larger is tribe 2 the greater tax concession needed tosatisfy the no cvil war constraint - promotes dissolution.Second, the larger is tribe 2 the more valuable are they to tribe1 in contributing to the tax base - this tends to promote unity.

When ε ∈ (1, 0] the tax base effect dominates - dissolution astribe 2 becomes sufficiently small.When ε ∈ [−1, 0) the NCW effect dominates - dissolution astribe 2 becomes sufficiently large.Also that the greater is ω2, the greater is the tendencytowards conflict

36/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of StatesSimulation Results

Dissolution and relative tribe size - ω2

Tribe size effects differ depending on relative preferencesTwo countervailing effects

First the larger is tribe 2 the greater tax concession needed tosatisfy the no cvil war constraint - promotes dissolution.Second, the larger is tribe 2 the more valuable are they to tribe1 in contributing to the tax base - this tends to promote unity.

When ε ∈ (1, 0] the tax base effect dominates - dissolution astribe 2 becomes sufficiently small.When ε ∈ [−1, 0) the NCW effect dominates - dissolution astribe 2 becomes sufficiently large.Also that the greater is ω2, the greater is the tendencytowards conflict

36/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of StatesSimulation Results

Dissolution and relative tribe size - ω2

Tribe size effects differ depending on relative preferencesTwo countervailing effects

First the larger is tribe 2 the greater tax concession needed tosatisfy the no cvil war constraint - promotes dissolution.

Second, the larger is tribe 2 the more valuable are they to tribe1 in contributing to the tax base - this tends to promote unity.

When ε ∈ (1, 0] the tax base effect dominates - dissolution astribe 2 becomes sufficiently small.When ε ∈ [−1, 0) the NCW effect dominates - dissolution astribe 2 becomes sufficiently large.Also that the greater is ω2, the greater is the tendencytowards conflict

36/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of StatesSimulation Results

Dissolution and relative tribe size - ω2

Tribe size effects differ depending on relative preferencesTwo countervailing effects

First the larger is tribe 2 the greater tax concession needed tosatisfy the no cvil war constraint - promotes dissolution.Second, the larger is tribe 2 the more valuable are they to tribe1 in contributing to the tax base - this tends to promote unity.

When ε ∈ (1, 0] the tax base effect dominates - dissolution astribe 2 becomes sufficiently small.When ε ∈ [−1, 0) the NCW effect dominates - dissolution astribe 2 becomes sufficiently large.Also that the greater is ω2, the greater is the tendencytowards conflict

36/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of StatesSimulation Results

Dissolution and relative tribe size - ω2

Tribe size effects differ depending on relative preferencesTwo countervailing effects

First the larger is tribe 2 the greater tax concession needed tosatisfy the no cvil war constraint - promotes dissolution.Second, the larger is tribe 2 the more valuable are they to tribe1 in contributing to the tax base - this tends to promote unity.

When ε ∈ (1, 0] the tax base effect dominates - dissolution astribe 2 becomes sufficiently small.

When ε ∈ [−1, 0) the NCW effect dominates - dissolution astribe 2 becomes sufficiently large.Also that the greater is ω2, the greater is the tendencytowards conflict

36/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of StatesSimulation Results

Dissolution and relative tribe size - ω2

Tribe size effects differ depending on relative preferencesTwo countervailing effects

First the larger is tribe 2 the greater tax concession needed tosatisfy the no cvil war constraint - promotes dissolution.Second, the larger is tribe 2 the more valuable are they to tribe1 in contributing to the tax base - this tends to promote unity.

When ε ∈ (1, 0] the tax base effect dominates - dissolution astribe 2 becomes sufficiently small.When ε ∈ [−1, 0) the NCW effect dominates - dissolution astribe 2 becomes sufficiently large.

Also that the greater is ω2, the greater is the tendencytowards conflict

36/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of StatesSimulation Results

Dissolution and relative tribe size - ω2

Tribe size effects differ depending on relative preferencesTwo countervailing effects

First the larger is tribe 2 the greater tax concession needed tosatisfy the no cvil war constraint - promotes dissolution.Second, the larger is tribe 2 the more valuable are they to tribe1 in contributing to the tax base - this tends to promote unity.

When ε ∈ (1, 0] the tax base effect dominates - dissolution astribe 2 becomes sufficiently small.When ε ∈ [−1, 0) the NCW effect dominates - dissolution astribe 2 becomes sufficiently large.Also that the greater is ω2, the greater is the tendencytowards conflict

36/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of StatesSimulation Results

Dissolution and the cost of civil war - γ

The area of the parameter space involving dissolution growslarger as γ increasesCivil war less destructive - tribe 2 more willing to adopt thisstrategy - greater tax concessions to avert conflictγ might be larger if two tribes largely segregated

Perhaps the location of Israeli settlers in Palestinian areas isthen explained

37/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of StatesSimulation Results

Dissolution and the cost of civil war - γ

The area of the parameter space involving dissolution growslarger as γ increases

Civil war less destructive - tribe 2 more willing to adopt thisstrategy - greater tax concessions to avert conflictγ might be larger if two tribes largely segregated

Perhaps the location of Israeli settlers in Palestinian areas isthen explained

37/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of StatesSimulation Results

Dissolution and the cost of civil war - γ

The area of the parameter space involving dissolution growslarger as γ increasesCivil war less destructive - tribe 2 more willing to adopt thisstrategy - greater tax concessions to avert conflict

γ might be larger if two tribes largely segregated

Perhaps the location of Israeli settlers in Palestinian areas isthen explained

37/38

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of StatesSimulation Results

Dissolution and the cost of civil war - γ

The area of the parameter space involving dissolution growslarger as γ increasesCivil war less destructive - tribe 2 more willing to adopt thisstrategy - greater tax concessions to avert conflictγ might be larger if two tribes largely segregated

Perhaps the location of Israeli settlers in Palestinian areas isthen explained

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Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of StatesSimulation Results

Dissolution and the cost of civil war - γ

The area of the parameter space involving dissolution growslarger as γ increasesCivil war less destructive - tribe 2 more willing to adopt thisstrategy - greater tax concessions to avert conflictγ might be larger if two tribes largely segregated

Perhaps the location of Israeli settlers in Palestinian areas isthen explained

37/38

Page 170: The Size and Number of Nations - cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com · Czechoslovakia !The Czech Republic and Slovakia, Yugoslavia !Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia,

Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of StatesDevolution of the powers to tax and spend to the tribes

Simulations show

Devolution can dominate dissolutionFor the parameter values where this happens unity dominatesdevolutionDevolution not an equilibrium - because of free rider problem

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Page 171: The Size and Number of Nations - cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com · Czechoslovakia !The Czech Republic and Slovakia, Yugoslavia !Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia,

Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of StatesDevolution of the powers to tax and spend to the tribes

Simulations show

Devolution can dominate dissolution

For the parameter values where this happens unity dominatesdevolutionDevolution not an equilibrium - because of free rider problem

38/38

Page 172: The Size and Number of Nations - cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com · Czechoslovakia !The Czech Republic and Slovakia, Yugoslavia !Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia,

Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of StatesDevolution of the powers to tax and spend to the tribes

Simulations show

Devolution can dominate dissolutionFor the parameter values where this happens unity dominatesdevolution

Devolution not an equilibrium - because of free rider problem

38/38

Page 173: The Size and Number of Nations - cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com · Czechoslovakia !The Czech Republic and Slovakia, Yugoslavia !Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia,

Observations Questions Optimal Countries Democracy Leviathans The Dissolution of States

The Dissolution of StatesDevolution of the powers to tax and spend to the tribes

Simulations show

Devolution can dominate dissolutionFor the parameter values where this happens unity dominatesdevolutionDevolution not an equilibrium - because of free rider problem

38/38