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The Right to Bear Arms, Private Property, and Economic Growth

Author

Listed:
  • Qixin Zhan

    (School of Economics, Shandong Technology and Business University)

  • Heng-Fu Zou

    (The World Bank
    Institute for Advanced Study, Wuhan University
    Institute for Advanced Study, Shenzhen University)

Abstract

This paper provides an examination of the crucial role played by the right to keep and bear arms in protecting individuals' life, liberty, and property. Through our analysis, we demonstrate that the accumulation of firearms, serving as a means of safeguarding life, liberty, and property rights, leads to advancements in physical capital accumulation, output production, and overall welfare. Utilizing a robust mathematical model, we offer theoretical support for the natural right to bear arms, a principle deeply ingrained in ancient wisdom and enshrined in modern constitutional frameworks, notably exemplified by the Second and Fourth Amendments of the US Constitution.

Suggested Citation

  • Qixin Zhan & Heng-Fu Zou, 2025. "The Right to Bear Arms, Private Property, and Economic Growth," Annals of Economics and Finance, Society for AEF, vol. 26(1), pages 281-309, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:cuf:journl:y:2025:v:26:i:1:zhanzou
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    Keywords

    Arms spending; Private property; Capital accumulation; Economic growth;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E20 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - General (includes Measurement and Data)
    • E22 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Investment; Capital; Intangible Capital; Capacity
    • H56 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - National Security and War
    • O10 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - General
    • O40 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - General
    • P16 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Capitalist Institutions; Welfare State
    • P48 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Other Economic Systems - - - Legal Institutions; Property Rights; Natural Resources; Energy; Environment; Regional Studies

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