This is probably among the best I have read: https://scholars.unh.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1462&context=dissertation https://scholars.unh.edu/cgi/viewcon

This is probably among the best I have read: https://scholars.unh.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1462&context=dissertation https://scholars.unh.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1462&co... In a system with growing inequality where the rich benefit at the expense of the poor, this artificial redistribution can go on for some time, but once the inequality gets so bad that people revolt, then the amount of "guard labor" that needs to be performed goes up. Poverty and desperation makes people more likely to perform "guard labor" because it gives them a chance to escape poverty and avoid being targeted themselves which further feeds into authoritarian politicians gaining more power as they have no trouble finding soldiers willing to maintain the inequality. This works but only until guard labor reaches such a critical mass that half the population engages in it. Once that point is crossed, guard labor will start defecting against the current political leadership and conduct a military coup.