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This is my second time trying to read the article (got distracted the first time through), and once again I'm *really* enjoying it. Gonna "live-blog" some thoughts and highlights as I read, if you don't mind.
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"...defines state capacity as a combination of fiscal capacity, 'the state’s ability to raise tax revenue' in a regular, predictable, and non-distortive way, and administrative capacity, 'the state’s ability to enforce rules in a consistent way.'" ^^ seems a v useful distinction
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I've opened the North and Weingast article in a new tab, but may never get around to reading it. Would really love some examples to illustrate the self-binding/making commitments dynamic. If I vaguely recall something about Aztec sacrifices here, would I be on base?
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"I find Michael Mann’s distinction between a state’s despotic power and its infrastructural power useful." despotic P: ability of state actors to have their wishes obeyed (e.g., not countermanded) infrastructural P: ability of the state to actually implement political decisions
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