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It's interesting how you think the state is better placed to do infrastructure projects and the like on the basis that the pvt sector will likely form cartels and yet the state itself is a cartel. Cartels aren't inventions of the pvt sector. You did make a great point about apathy from the citizens and that's definitely true but i think the system is designed to produce this exact outcome. Explains why even with Bitcoin most people are yet to understand how important a tool they have at their disposal and have let the suitcoiners run the show
The state has both a mandate and incentive to create a strong economy within its territory as this both benefits the nation and the government and builds wealth and security for both the government and the nation.
Only a corrupt government will not seek the maximisation of its territorial economic potential- and a corrupt government can only exist where citizens apathy allows it to.
Corrupt governments rely upon such apathy.
Private business has no such incentive to maximise the wealth creation and competitive advantage of the nation state. A private business will naturally, if it can, exploit market dominance (control over canal system or railroads or internet cables) because its primary goal is to maximise the gain for shareholders.
imo the ideal role of the state is to provide the best possible conditions for all citizens.
That means rule of law and enforceable contracts. It can also mean investment in services and infrastructure that enhances the productive potential of citizens- that can include education, health, roads, communications, power supply and research funding. Private enterprise alone will not always provide the basic building blocks of a productive economy with the best interests of all citizens.
If left to its own devices and objectives private enterprise will where possible form cartels and monopolies and extract 'taxes' imposed upon all other citizens for no gain for the majority.
An example of good government is where ancient Chinese taxed farmers and used that revenue to build canals which enabled the movement of the farmers produce to the markets that would pay the highest price.
No private enterprise could build the canals required without extracting the maximum profit from farmers using them whereas a government can provide such productivity enhancing infrastructure without abusing the monopoly position it builds.
Good government can improve the wealth and security for citizens in some situations where private enterprise has neither the mandate nor incentive to do so.
Another example is how modern China has subsidised rare earths refining to give it a huge strategic lever over the current super power USA.
Nation states have a considerable influence and effect on the wealth of their citizens.
Citizens are also equally responsible for ensuring their government is good, and not bad by actively challenging their government wherever and whenever it is captured by private rentseeking sponsors. Too often people can't be bothered due to the effort required to demand and achieve change in government.
Bitcoin provides an opportunity to challenge what has become an unhealthy government backed monopoly over MoE in a peaceful and constructive way...but also demonstrates that the vast majority of citizens cannot be bothered thinking for themselves and acting to apply pressure upon government excess. Most people have been brainwashed to believe they cannot change the system and that is what the system depends upon- the majority being easily herded sheep.