The term flypaper theory has two distinct meanings:
- In economics, the flypaper theory is the idea that the burdens of taxation "stick" to those taxed directly instead of spreading through the economy.
- In military strategy, the flypaper theory is the idea that it is desirable to lure one's enemies into a single country or area where they can be more effectively dealt with.
Famous quotes containing the word theory:
“Many people have an oversimplified picture of bonding that could be called the “epoxy” theory of relationships...if you don’t get properly “glued” to your babies at exactly the right time, which only occurs very soon after birth, then you will have missed your chance.”
—Pamela Patrick Novotny (20th century)