Anthony de Yasay is one of the most original political philosophers of modern Europe. This book develops a theory of the political dynamics of the state. Unlike most common political and philosophical concepts, de Yasay views the state not as a passive instrument serving the interests of society as a whole, a class or social group, etc., but as an active subject pursuing its own interests. This interpretation is similar to the approach of economists to the study of a manufacturing company, however, unlike the latter, the state seeks to maximize not profit, but the amount of power and use the latter to achieve its own ultimate goals, whatever they may be. The main instrument of the state in this case is to win the support of certain groups of subjects by redistributing in their favor the wealth taken from others. The internal logic of the development of the state over time inevitably leads to the fact that it acquires totalitarian features, regardless of the subjective qualities and intentions of specific rulers. The book is of interest to philosophers, political scientists, economists, lawyers, politicians and legislators, for students and teachers of relevant specialties, as well as for everyone interested in political philosophy and the evolution of political institutions. Books on the topic: 1. The rise and decline of the state - Martin van Creveld2. Anarchy, state and utopia - Robert Nozick (not on Flibust, but is on the Internet) 3. Theory of justice - John Rawls 4. Libertarianism - David Bowes 5. Libertarianism in one lesson - David Bergland