modern wealth disparities may have changed the situation
Compared to what, medieval Europe?
Yes. Richer states can afford to transfer more wealth. We see this in the size of modern (domestic) welfare states, which could not have been shouldered even a century ago.
Well, Rome was basically a welfare state two millennia ago.
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Compared to what, medieval Europe?
Yes. Richer states can afford to transfer more wealth. We see this in the size of modern (domestic) welfare states, which could not have been shouldered even a century ago.
Well, Rome was basically a welfare state two millennia ago.