The pirate takes what he will, if he is strong enough, and typically only robs you once. The emperor, on the other hand, is perfectly strong enough to take what he will. He will continue to plunder until there is nothing to be plundered. Oh, he might leave you some scraps to let grow over time, but that is only because he might value plundering you in the future.
That moment in history that a band of robbers realized it is better to leave enough so they can rob you another day is the key.
On social contracts: David Hume comes to mind. Being born on a ship, or carried on board while asleep, only to wake and discover your only “option” for escape is to jump overboard and perish.
Not if freedom is attained peacefully.
Isn’t the State a band of successful warlords?
Darn it, either way we will have warlords!