Dr. Gustavo A. Flores-Macías, Professor and Dean of the School of Public Policy at the University of Maryland, shares insights from his book Contemporary State Building: Elite Taxation and Public Safety in Latin America, offering a compelling exploration of the dynamics of state development and governance in the region.
Dr. Flores-Macías’ book analyzes two major obstacles to economic development and democratization in Latin America: low tax collection and high crime rates. It shows how these issues shape state capacity and explores how governments can increase taxes on the wealthy to strengthen state capabilities, improve public safety, and reduce inequality.
He argues that opportunities to tax the rich are not limited to rare “critical junctures” but often arise from supply-and-demand dynamics between business and government. Right-leaning governments are particularly well-positioned to leverage these mechanisms. Rising public safety concerns, which threaten business elites, further motivate support for policies that enhance state capacity to combat organized crime and drug trafficking.
To explore Dr. Gustavo A. Flores-Macías’s research in detail, click here:
https://spp.umd.edu/our-community/faculty-staff/gustavo-flores-macias
This podcast is brought to you by Global Management Consultancy. For more information, please visit www.globalmanagementconsultancy.com.
Disclaimer:
A. The background music used in this video is the property of its respective developer and is protected by Copyright. Although it is a free version, Business Talk, Global Management Consultancy and Deepak Bhatt do not hold the rights to this music.
B. Dr. Gustavo A. Flores-Macías has generously shared profound insights from his book, “Contemporary State Building: Elite Taxation and Public Safety in Latin America,” during his appearance on the Business Talk podcast channel. The uploaded video contains copyrighted material; therefore, any modifications to graphics, music, or the presence of the author or host are strictly prohibited.
