This book studies competition policy, an area which has emerged as a vibrant and influential discipline within the study of economic policy and policy making. The victory of market economics means that every capitalist country has created or intensified competition policy. The book compares the six ‘model’ policy regimes of the USA, Germany, Japan, the UK, Canada, and the European Union. The role of institutions and political process in controlling monopolies, cartels, and mergers is emphasised. The case for convergence and the emergence of a global regime is evaluated. Cutting through the tra ... More

This book studies competition policy, an area which has emerged as a vibrant and influential discipline within the study of economic policy and policy making. The victory of market economics means that every capitalist country has created or intensified competition policy. The book compares the six ‘model’ policy regimes of the USA, Germany, Japan, the UK, Canada, and the European Union. The role of institutions and political process in controlling monopolies, cartels, and mergers is emphasised. The case for convergence and the emergence of a global regime is evaluated. Cutting through the traditional arena of lawyers and economists, this book provides incisive political analysis of the mechanics of international competition policy.