What does it take for a roving bandit settle down? Theory and an illustrative history of the Visigoths

B-Tier
Journal: Public Choice
Year: 2016
Volume: 168
Issue: 1
Pages: 75-102

Score contribution per author:

2.011 = (α=2.01 / 1 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

Abstract A roving bandit provides exclusive (rivalrous) collective goods to members of its in-group. A stationary bandit further provides inclusive (non-rivalrous; public) collective goods to the out-group. The inclusive goods are an input to the production of the exclusive goods enjoyed by the in-group. As such, the transition from roving to stationary bandit is likely to involve the redefinition of the in-group, its collective interest, and the type of goods that it provides. To illustrate these points, I employ a case study of the roving Visigothic confederacy as it evolved during the fourth and fifth centuries towards the stationary Visigothic Kingdom. The illustration provides insights into why competition amongst roving bandits does not always (or often) lead to the emergence of a non-predatory state.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:kap:pubcho:v:168:y:2016:i:1:d:10.1007_s11127-016-0350-7
Journal Field
Public
Author Count
1
Added to Database
2026-01-29