When researching an essay for a previous class, I read that Qing Dynasty China had low taxation rates compared to European nations, while providing better public services. This sustained itself without democratic involvement of the people (voice) like would evolve in Europe, but instead
"Chinese emperors preferred to face the threat of exit than the constraints of voice, and they could do so because they did not face constant warfare." (From Before and Beyond Divergence)
I want to further dive into this topic, does anyone have recommendations for where I could find data on tax rates/civil unrest (which would be an indicator of exit) as well as potential books to read?
As a starting place, I would check out the section on China in Victor Lieberman's Strange Parallels Volume 2, from page 603 to around page 627 in my copy (from Distinctive Chinese Features: the Burdens of Size to Some Implications of Size and Pacific Environment). He deals with questions of Qing tax rates, public services, and warfare, compared to Europe. He also cites very heavily, which is pretty great.