Economics
The Political Economy of Rentier States and Autocratic Legitimacy
Quick fact
In rentier states, governments that receive large external revenues—like from oil—tend to tax their citizens very little, which reduces demands for political accountability. This 'no taxation, no representation' logic can sustain autocracies for decades.
Why this is interesting
Imagine a country where the government gives its citizens money and free healthcare—but nobody pays taxes. Who would ever demand democracy?