As an aside, I always point out that countries with no functioning government still have violence and the threat of violence. The earliest writings I've found t

As an aside, I always point out that countries with no functioning government still have violence and the threat of violence. The earliest writings I've found that use this terminology talk about a "monopoly" on violence, and I think the distinction is important. Also, I think that such a monopoly is not self sustaining but depends to a considerable effect on maintaining its own legitimacy by acting with restraint.