Niall Ferguson's book "The Great Degeneration" explores the delicate balance between economic freedom and government regulation. In Chapter 2, he examines how complex regulations may end up causing more harm than good, becoming a detrimental force rather than a solution. The chapter poses a crucial question about the extent to which these regulations distort and corrupt political and economic systems.

Ferguson argues that rather than merely correcting market failures, excessive regulation can lead to inefficiencies and decay within institutions. This complexity might act as a disease, undermining the very freedoms it aims to protect, and ultimately harming economic performance and governance.