Anarchy, Monopoly, and Predation

Although institutions rooted in the folk theorem can support self-enforcing exchange in a wide variety of contexts, their potential to create cooperation is not limitless. In particular, the folk theorem may break down when some agents are physically stronger than others. I demonstrate this in the context of Stringham's [2006] vertically integrated proprietary communities. In this system a monopoly proprietor maximizes profits by optimally extorting his tenants in violation of voluntary contracts. The result is a predatory rather than voluntary regime. (JEL: D 74, H 10, K 40, L 33)