Although I have not yet read the book by Professor Collier, my own teaching of political economy supports the assertion that the current systems of law and taxation in almost every society serve to secure and protect entrenched privilege. This has always been the case, mitigated to some extent by changes in law that attacked the worst forms of monopoly privilege and the violation of at least some human rights. And yet, today there is still widespread exploitation of people and even outright enslavement. Moreover, the original and fundamental source of hierarchical privilege -- the concentrated control over land and natural resources -- continues unabated. The calls by political economists from Richard Cantillon and Anne Robert Jacques Turgot up through Henry George for the public capture of the full potential rental value of land (and all of the inelastic assets provided by nature) have been successfully prevented by vested interests. And, where progressive political leaders managed to implement this form of public revenue, subsequent expenditures by landed interests have very much captured the legislative process.
Thank you for doing this interview. Much appreciated!
I didn't know who Mr. Paul Collier was. His ideas are so interesting, making me want to read his books
Although I have not yet read the book by Professor Collier, my own teaching of political economy supports the assertion that the current systems of law and taxation in almost every society serve to secure and protect entrenched privilege. This has always been the case, mitigated to some extent by changes in law that attacked the worst forms of monopoly privilege and the violation of at least some human rights. And yet, today there is still widespread exploitation of people and even outright enslavement. Moreover, the original and fundamental source of hierarchical privilege -- the concentrated control over land and natural resources -- continues unabated. The calls by political economists from Richard Cantillon and Anne Robert Jacques Turgot up through Henry George for the public capture of the full potential rental value of land (and all of the inelastic assets provided by nature) have been successfully prevented by vested interests. And, where progressive political leaders managed to implement this form of public revenue, subsequent expenditures by landed interests have very much captured the legislative process.
Nice
He is an apologist for capitalism. I don’t buy his idea. It is about pacify the needy. Get a grip!
"Right?"
Who’s behind the camera huh huh huh huh