state

  The doctrine of the liberal state’s upper bound: An algorithm for delimiting state intervention One of the most fundamental and contested questions in political science concerns the proper functions and scope of the state. Its importance is such that it may plausibly be regarded as the central question of political theory. Different schools of […]

  One of the most contested issues in public discourse concerns the proper scope of state intervention in citizens’ education. Different schools of thought offer divergent perspectives. Some regard the provision of public education, including at advanced levels, as a core function of the state, justifying this position on the grounds of its contribution to […]

Introduction The new UK government elected in July 2024 has promised a ‘decade of national renewal’, realised through its Industrial Strategy, its Infrastructure Strategy, and the transition to Clean Power. The state’s footprint on what is meant to be a free market economy will be substantially expanded. The costs of this ‘renewal’ will test the […]

It is about the plans of the UK government to launch a decade-long programme of ‘investment’ in industry, infrastructure and Net Zero, greatly expanding the state’s role in the economy. The programme is to be funded entirely with new debt of £1.64 trillion: the same amount as the spending programme. This is 58% of the […]

  Global debt has reached staggering figures, totaling more than $300 trillion in 2024. Most of this debt is concentrated in the older, industrialized democracies, as well as China. It comprises public sector (sovereign) debt, corporate borrowings and household liabilities. Collectively, it represents roughly 300 percent of the world’s gross domestic product. In 2024, the total […]