2024/11/14 by Jonathan B. Baker · 1 voice
Economics, Econometrics and Finance · #Merger and Competition Analysis
paper · pdf · doi:10.1093/jaenfo/jnae049
openalex publication_date 2024/11/14 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30
Abstract Economists influence antitrust policy through theoretical and empirical economic research, translation and synthesis of that research, direct participation in policy development, and participation in the adversarial process. To illustrate these channels, this article profiles the antitrust-related work of four industrial organization economists who have played important roles in the development of antitrust economics and policy: Tim Bresnahan, Janusz Ordover, Steve Salop, and Bobby Willig. The article also evaluates three overarching theories about the role of economics in antitrust: a public interest theory, capture by big business, and influence tied to the ascendancy of neoliberalism.