The book explores the motivations and methods of government insiders who act against the public interest, revealing their impact on both democratic and autocratic systems. Zupan delves into the circumstances and locations that facilitate such subversion, offering insights into the dynamics that threaten governance and accountability. Through this analysis, he highlights the broader implications for political integrity and the functioning of institutions.
National decline is typically blamed on special interests from the demand side of politics corrupting a country's institutions. The usual demand-side suspects include crony capitalists, consumer activists, economic elites, and labor unions. Less attention is given to government insiders on the supply side of politics - rulers, elected officials, bureaucrats, and public employees. In autocracies and democracies, government insiders have the motive, means, and opportunity to co-opt political power for their benefit and at the expense of national well-being. Many storied empires have succumbed to such inside jobs. Today, they imperil countries as different as China and the United States. Democracy - government by the people - does not ensure government for the people. Understanding how government insiders use their power to subvert the public interest - and how these negative consequences can be mitigated - is the topic of this book by Mark A. Zupan.
Theory & Applications
Provides a rich array of over 100 examples that show how theory works in real companies, industry, and government.* Applications throughout the book and in four unique applications chapters demonstrate the importance of microeconomics to sound decision making.* Makes microeconomics interesting, relevant, and easy to understand.