Welfare Economics and Antitrust Policy - Vol. II: Mergers, Vertical Practices, Joint Ventures, Internal Growth, and US and EU Law

This book is a two-volume set on antitrust policy, analyzing the economic efficiency and moral desirability of various conduct and government responses. It consists of three parts: Part I introduces economic, moral, and legal concepts, Part II analyzes the impacts of conduct and government responses, and Part III provides information on US antitrust law and EU competition law. It appeals to students of economics and law interested in welfare economics, antitrust policy, and The General Theory of Second Best.

Format: Hardback
Length: 472 pages
Publication date: 05 May 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive two-volume set delves into the intricate realm of antitrust policy, offering a comprehensive analysis of the economic efficiency and moral desirability of various conduct that falls under its purview. Volume II, in particular, takes up the task of examining the economic implications and potential responses of governments to such conduct, encompassing both the United States and the European Union's antitrust laws.

The study is structured into three distinct parts, each contributing to a holistic understanding of antitrust policy. Part I serves as an introductory guide, providing readers with a foundational understanding of the economic, moral, and legal concepts that underpin antitrust-policy analysis. Chapters 1 to 8 delve into the theoretical foundations, examining the economic implications of different types of conduct and the philosophical frameworks that guide government responses.

Part II, the heart of the volume, takes a deeper dive into the impacts of eight specific conduct categories and the corresponding government responses. Chapters 9 to 16 explore the economic efficiency, moral rights implications, and the realization of various utilitarian and egalitarian conceptions of the moral good in the context of these conduct types. Through detailed analysis and thoughtful consideration, the authors shed light on the potential benefits and challenges associated with each type of conduct and the corresponding policy responses.

Part III, the concluding section, provides a comprehensive overview of US antitrust law and EU competition law. Chapters 17 to 18 offer a comparative analysis of these two legal frameworks, examining their potential to enhance economic efficiency, protect liberal moral rights, and instantiate diverse conceptions of the moral good. The authors highlight the key differences and similarities between the two bodies of law and discuss their implications for businesses, consumers, and society as a whole.

This book is a valuable resource for undergraduate and graduate students of economics and law who are interested in welfare economics, antitrust policy, and the broader realm of The General Theory of Second Best. It offers a comprehensive and insightful examination of the complex issues surrounding antitrust policy, providing valuable insights for policymakers, scholars, and practitioners alike.

Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030964818
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022