The Calculus of Consent: Some Swedish Connections

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the publication of The Calculus of Consent (Buchanan and Tullock 1962; henceforth denoted CofC), I will dwell on some ways in which it relates to Sweden. At first, it may seem strange to connect a monumental work by two American scholars to a small country in northern Europe, but there are several noteworthy connections. Some date back to the 19th century, and constitute inspiration for CofC; some are of more recent origin, and are instances of research and reform advice having been inspired by CofC.