This article aims to interpret the theoretical work of Grossman (2002) in a dynamic context. By modeling an overlapping-generations economy, it argues that taking into account the long-term perspective of young citizens increases demand for an exploitative king, who deters predations for his own sake. Even if the old desire to live under anarchy, the young may find it beneficial to accept the king at the cost of taxation, leading to political conflict between the two generations. The latter’s increasing demand for the king may eventually trigger a regime change, fostering the accumulation of productive resources.
Oura et al. (Sat,) studied this question.