Explorations In Public Sector Economics

This book is a collection of never-before-published papers from some of the most prominent voices in public economics. Curated by the current director of the Public Choice Society, the papers presented showcase the work of recognized leaders in the field, including a Nobel Laureate (Gary Becker), Past Presidents of the Public Choice Society (Larry Kenny, Edward Lopez), the Past President of the Southern Economic Association (Dwight Lee) and some of the most notable public choice economists (Bruce Benson, Russell Sobel, JR Clark, Art Denzau, Morris Coats, Richard Vedder). Among the broad list of topics covered are voting, education quality, environmental issues, externality theory, and public goods theory. This volume makes an important contribution to the field by making new perspectives on a variety of topics accessible to researchers. This book will be of interest to economists, political scientists, and researchers interested in public policy.

'In this new, exciting exposition, Brian Dollery and Joe Wallis (here joined by Linda McLoughlin) continue their unique explorations advancing the frontiers of public administration and political economy with a fresh, challenging, and thought-provoking analysis of the effects and implications of more than two decades of public sector reform.' - Zane Spindler, Simon Fraser University, Canada

The aim of this book is to provide a rather more comprehensive wide-ranging treatment of public sector economics than is usual. It deals with theory, policy and practice within the broad context of political economy and attempts a more general integration of them than is found in most other texts. It recognises that students invariably study other subjects simultaneously with economics, aiming to provide more of a multi-disciplinary approach than is usually the case. The book reflects the changing nature of 'public' in recognising that a textbook in this area has to be made less technical and mechanistic and more appreciative of political economy.

For courses in Public Finance, Public Economics, Public Sector Economics, and The Economics of Taxation. Holcombe takes a "public choice" approach to public finance and looks at public policy as a product of the democratic decision-making process.