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Competition and free trade are both concepts which are absolutely central for the understanding of human societies but are also often the subjects of fears and criticisms. It is argued that it is not
possible to understand what competition really is without referring to the concept of freedom, and that free trade must be understood as the way to expand the scope of competition.
This book uniquely analyses the two concepts as closely interlinked, by approaching them in two parts. The first, ‘Competition’, introduces the reader to the traditional competition model, and explores
the dynamics and range of the term in an authoritative way. Second part, ‘Free Trade’ examines the different types of trade, and analyses them in a wealth of contexts, from customs duties to import
quotas. With discussions surrounding protectionist arguments, politics, liberalization and history, the author presents an overview of how competition and free trade operate in the real world.
This book dispels the fears and misunderstandings which have developed around these central pillars of the modern economy and is essential reading for those studying international economics, international
trade, political economy or corporate finance.
INDEX
Foreword
PART ONE – COMPETITION
Introduction
Chapter I – The traditional competition model
II – Breaches of atomistic competition
III – A critical appraisal of the atomistic theory
IV – The entrepreneur and the dynamics of competition
V – True and false breaches of competition
VI – How far competition ?
PART TWO – FREE TRADE
Chapter VII – Justifications for free trade
VIII – The effects of protectionism
IX – True and false barriers to trade
X – Protectionist arguments
XI – The role of political processes
XII – Trade liberalization
XIII – Historical landmarks
Bibliography
Index
