Robert Higgs

Robert Higgs is an American economic historian and economist known for his extensive work on the growth of government power, particularly during crisis periods. His most influential book, "Crisis and Leviathan" (1987), introduced the concept of the "ratchet effect" in government authority. As a Senior Fellow at the Independent Institute, Higgs has written extensively on economic regulations, the military-industrial complex, and the effects of government interventions on economic freedom. His research has focused particularly on how national emergencies lead to permanent expansions of state power. Throughout his career, Higgs has taught at several universities including the University of Washington and Lafayette College. His other notable works include "Depression, War, and Cold War" (2006) and "Against Leviathan" (2004), which examine the economic effects of government policies during major historical periods. Higgs' work has significantly influenced libertarian thought and Austrian School economics, with his analyses of government growth becoming standard references in discussions of political economy and economic history.

Readers consistently highlight Higgs' detailed research and clear explanations of how government power expands during crises. On Goodreads and Amazon, readers note his thorough documentation and logical arguments, even when disagreeing with his conclusions. What readers liked: - Clear presentation of historical evidence - Accessible writing style for complex economic topics - Thorough documentation and citations - Original insights into government growth mechanisms What readers disliked: - Some find his libertarian perspective too strong - Occasional repetition across chapters - Technical economic sections challenging for general readers - Limited discussion of alternative viewpoints Ratings across platforms: - Goodreads: 4.2/5 (Crisis and Leviathan) - Amazon: 4.5/5 (Crisis and Leviathan) - 4.3/5 (Against Leviathan) One reader noted: "Higgs presents compelling evidence but sometimes overstates his case." Another commented: "The historical analysis is excellent, though the ideological bent can be heavy-handed." His books receive strong reviews from academic readers but more mixed reactions from general audiences seeking introductory material.

Crisis and Leviathan: Critical Episodes in the Growth of American Government (1987) Examines how government power in the U.S. has expanded during crises, particularly wars and economic emergencies.

Against Leviathan: Government Power and a Free Society (2004) Analyzes the expansion of state power and its effects on individual liberty through historical case studies.

Depression, War, and Cold War (2006) Investigates economic policies during the Great Depression, World War II, and the Cold War period.

Neither Liberty Nor Safety: Fear, Ideology, and the Growth of Government (2007) Studies how fear and ideological beliefs have contributed to government expansion throughout American history.

Delusions of Power: New Explorations of the State, War, and Economy (2012) Examines the relationship between state power, warfare, and economic policies in modern history.

Taking a Stand: Reflections on Life, Liberty, and the Economy (2015) Presents essays on various topics including economic freedom, civil liberties, and government intervention.

Resurgence of the Warfare State: The Crisis Since 9/11 (2005) Documents changes in government power and policy following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Competition and Coercion: Blacks in the American Economy 1865-1914 (1977) Analyzes the economic conditions and opportunities for African Americans in the post-Civil War period.

Murray Rothbard wrote extensively on economics, history and the growth of state power from a libertarian perspective. His work "Crisis and Liberty" examines government expansion during crises, paralleling Higgs' research themes.

Bruce Porter documents the expansion of government authority through war and national emergencies in "War and the Rise of the State." His analysis of how wars transform political institutions aligns with Higgs' focus on crisis-driven state growth.

Charlotte Twight studies how government agencies expand their power through strategic institutional changes and manipulation of transaction costs. Her work "Dependent on D.C." examines the mechanisms of growing federal control over citizens' lives.

James Bovard investigates government overreach and the erosion of civil liberties through detailed case studies and archival research. His books document specific instances of state power expansion and bureaucratic abuse.

Thomas DiLorenzo examines economic history and the growth of government intervention in markets. His research on how political institutions expand during crises provides historical evidence supporting Higgs' theories about ratchet effects in government growth.