Crisis and Leviathan

In Crisis and Leviathan, Robert Higgs explores the growth of government power in response to various crises throughout U.S. history, including wars and economic upheavals. He argues that these emergencies often lead to enduring government overreach that affects civil liberties and promotes corporate welfare. Through a multi-causal framework grounded in historical evidence, Higgs analyzes specific instances of governmental expansion and the influence of significant individuals, shedding light on shifts in public attitudes toward the government's role in society. The book serves as a critical examination of the interplay between national crises and the evolution of America's political economy.