IPE 261 | Market Effects of Public Policy: A Comparative Analysis

This course combines Economic and IPE approaches to understand and compare different governments' choices to influence markets and how those choices affect incentives and the behavior of economic agents (consumers, suppliers, laborers, employers, policymakers, etc.) in markets which are "misbehaving". In one way or the other, the markets considered in this class do not meet the economic goals of efficiency, equity, stability, or growth, requiring government action. This action, however, often creates distortions of its own. By considering nations' differing approaches to common problems, the successes and failures of government policy can be evaluated. The purpose of this course is to identify the need for market intervention, apply and evaluate policies which seek to achieve national goals, and identify optimal government action in the context of both economic, political, and cultural realities. Policy areas considered include healthcare, environmental protection, education, taxation, and equity.