The book is written in a style that should be accessible to most readers from different intellectual disciplines, while still retaining a high intellectual rigor. It discusses areas not covered by similar books and provides a novel interpretation of developments in the past fifty years.
Focusing on Argentina's economic landscape, this updated edition chronicles the significant developments from 2002 to 2017, following the aftermath of the debt default. It examines the impact of three different administrations on the country's recovery and ongoing challenges. The narrative is presented in accessible language, making complex economic issues understandable while providing insight into the political and economic dynamics that shaped this transformative period.
Part I. Changes in the Economic Role of the State in the Twentieth Century: 1. The age of laissez faire; 2. The role of the state between the world wars; 3. The coming of the welfare state; 4. When economists thought they had found Nirvana: welfare policies; 5. When economists thought they had found Nirvana: stabilization policies; 6. Barbarians at the gates: challenges to Nirvana; 7. General rules to guide governments; 8. Giving more freedom to markets; 9. A minimum economic role of the state?; 10. Implications of excessive government withdrawal; Part II. Complexity and the Rise of Termites: 11. The growth of termites; 12. Termites in regulations; 13. An inventory of policy tools; 14. A closer look at regulations; 15. Modernity and growing market termites; 16. The allocation role in modern economies; 17. Public goods and intellectual property; 18. The state and its economic objectives and institutions; 19. The state and the distribution of income; 20. Market operations and income distribution; 21. Poverty, inequality and government policy; 22. Market manipulations and economic outcomes; 23. Termites in the stabilization role; 24. Modern government role and constitutional guidelines; 25. The quality of the public sector and the legal framework; 26. The quality of public institutions; Part III. Equity and Inequality: 27. Wealth creation and government role; 28. Recent concerns about inequality; 29. How should governments intervene?; 30. Intellectual property and income distribution; 31. Historical background on intellectual property; 32. Tax rates, tax structures and tax avoidance; 33. Summing up of past developments; 34. Why worry about income distribution?; References; Index.
Exploring the economic role of the state in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, this book offers a thorough historical and global analysis. It delves into the evolution of state involvement in economies, examining various political and economic systems across different regions. By highlighting key events and policies, it provides insights into how government actions have shaped economic landscapes and influenced societal outcomes over time.
Dr. Vito Tanzi shares his insights gained over four decades of travel to Latin America as an economist for the International Monetary Fund and other organizations. His experiences encompass not only the region's economic and political evolution but also a deep appreciation for its rich culture, history, and beauty. Through his observations, he offers a unique perspective that blends professional analysis with personal reflections on the vibrant life of Latin America.
The book explores how inflation affects income taxes, emphasizing its role in redistributing the tax burden among different taxpayers. It delves into the complexities of tax policy and the implications of inflation on fiscal equity, highlighting the challenges faced by both individuals and the government in managing tax responsibilities amidst rising prices. Through detailed analysis, it sheds light on the broader economic consequences of inflation on taxation systems.
The book explores the evolving function of government finance throughout the twentieth century, highlighting key shifts in policies, economic theories, and the impact of historical events on fiscal strategies. It delves into how government interventions have shaped economic landscapes and addresses the implications of these changes for modern governance and public finance. Through analysis and case studies, it offers insights into the complexities of government roles in financial management and economic stability.