How Borders and Competing Governments Can Drive Progress

I argue that borders and separate systems of government can create room for comparison, competition and reform. Different societies manage land, taxes and trade differently, allowing people to learn from what works elsewhere. Using England as an example, I link arbitrary feudal demands to the Magna Carta, which placed limits on royal power and taxation. I believe these changes later helped create conditions for stronger commercial institutions, trade and industrial development. I compare this with Yoruba isakole, a produce-based tax system that I describe as more predictable. In my view, a world ruled by one administration might have reduced the institutional differences that produced important reforms. That is why I believe borders should remain.

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