Against Leviathan

Against Leviathan: Government Power and a Free Society examines the growth of state power and its effects on individual liberty throughout American history. Through a collection of essays, economist Robert Higgs analyzes how government authority expands during crises and rarely recedes afterward. The book investigates specific historical events and policies that contributed to increased federal control, from the Civil War through the Great Depression, World Wars, and into the modern era. Higgs presents evidence about how emergency powers granted during wartime became permanent fixtures of American governance. Each chapter focuses on different aspects of state expansion, including economic regulation, taxation, military conscription, and civil liberties. The analysis draws on historical documents, economic data, and political theory to trace the evolution of federal authority. The work presents a systematic critique of government growth while making a case for the protection of individual rights and free markets. Its central argument about the ratcheting effect of crisis-driven policies on state power remains relevant to ongoing debates about the proper scope of government.

Readers describe Against Leviathan as an economist's critique of government growth and overreach. The collection of essays analyzes how crises lead to permanent expansion of state power. Readers appreciated: - Clear explanations of economic concepts for non-experts - Historical examples and data supporting the arguments - Analysis of specific government programs and policies - Focus on both Republican and Democratic administrations Common criticisms: - Essays can be repetitive since they were written separately - Academic writing style can be dry - Some readers found the libertarian perspective too extreme - Limited discussion of potential solutions Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (43 ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (12 ratings) One reader noted: "Higgs methodically builds his case using historical evidence rather than rhetoric." Another wrote: "Important ideas but the writing could be more engaging." No major review publications covered this academic work, though several economics blogs reviewed it positively.

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🔷 Robert Higgs developed the influential concept of "regime uncertainty," which explains how government policies can paralyze private investment by creating unpredictable business conditions 🔷 The book's title references Thomas Hobbes' 1651 work "Leviathan," which argued for strong central government - taking the opposite stance of Higgs' anti-state perspective 🔷 The essays in "Against Leviathan" were written over a 20-year period, offering a unique perspective on how government power expanded through events like 9/11 and the War on Terror 🔷 Higgs demonstrates how war has historically been the biggest driver of government growth in the U.S., with "temporary" wartime measures often becoming permanent expansions of state power 🔷 The author founded The Independent Institute's journal "The Independent Review" and served as its editor-in-chief for 18 years, establishing it as a leading platform for classical liberal thought