Report: The Free Rider Problem
refuse or avoid paying for being defended, even though they are still as well guarded as
those who contribute to the state's efforts. Therefore, it is usual for governments to avoid
relying on volunteer donations, using taxes and, in some countries, conscription instead.
In the case of defense spending, alternative perspectives of the free rider problem also
exist. A free rider may be an individual or group of military contractors, ideologues,
government officials or lobbyists that inflate the risk of enemies, or even convinces the
state to launch an unnecessary and expensive war, in order to sell more arms and
consolidate their power. In this example, the free riders avoid all of the personal risks of
war while enjoying the benefit of tax dollars spent under the false popular perception of
the urgent need for national defense.
Government is indeed the primary mechanism by which societies address free rider
problems
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