The concept of a security state is explored, highlighting how it diverts national resources towards security rather than development, leading to a rentier economy that relies on natural resource surpluses without fostering productivity or democracy. Concurrently, a report by the TaxPayers’ Alliance reveals that the UK's fiscal measures during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in disproportionately high spending relative to other nations, with negative long-term health outcomes despite increased expenditures. The UK's COVID-19 Inquiry's findings are critiqued for their lack of clarity regarding lessons learned from the pandemic response. Additionally, geopolitical tensions have prompted nations to adopt economic security policies that prioritize self-insurance and diversification, potentially leading to a decrease in overall economic welfare. The lockdowns initiated in March 2020 are discussed as historically unprecedented actions that disrupted global economic activity, with lingering effects on labor markets that have yet to recover. This combination of factors paints a complex picture of how both state approaches and individual country policies have shaped current economic and social landscapes.