In "The Square and the Tower," Niall Ferguson discusses how government has transformed into an administrative or managerial system, characterized by a hierarchical and bureaucratic structure. This evolution prioritizes extensive regulations that often complicate rather than resolve issues. As a result, the original intentions behind these regulations are undermined, leading to inefficiencies and frustrations within the administrative processes.

Ferguson highlights the paradox of modern governance, where the complexities of regulation create obstacles instead of streamlining administration. This observation serves as a critique of contemporary governmental practices, suggesting that despite its organized approach, the state has failed to achieve its primary goals due to its overly complicated bureaucratic nature.