Fiscal Policy

Do deficits matter? Yes and no, says Daniel Shaviro in this political and economic study. Yes, because fiscal policy affects generational distribution, national saving, and the level of government spending. And no, because the deficit is an inaccurate measure with little economic content. This book provides an invaluable guide for anyone wanting to know exactly what is at stake for Americans in this ongoing debate. "[An] excellent, comprehensive, and illuminating book. Its analysis, deftly integrating considerations of economics, law, politics, and philosophy, brings the issues of 'balanced budgets,' national saving, and intergenerational equity out of the area of religious crusades and into an arena of reason. . . . A magnificent, judicious, and balanced treatment. It should be read and studied not just by specialists in fiscal policy but by all those in the economic and political community."--Robert Eisner, Journal of Economic Literature "Shaviro's history, economics, and political analysis are right on the mark. For all readers."--Library Journal

A blend of descriptive and prescriptive economics, this survey provides a thorough examination of our current fiscal and monetary policies and problems. With an eye to special interest politics, Eastaugh shows the difficulties in--and the necessity of--surmounting our fiscal, educational, trade, productivity, and health care accessibility deficits.

It has been previously thought that the process of adopting common fiscal policies was caused by economic integration and globalization but 'Fiscal Policy From Reagan to Blair' reveals a much more comprehensive explanation - one that includes domestic factors.

This collection of essays explores fiscal policy in the Asian Pacific economies & how it is used to tackle changing demographic needs, greater demands for social welfare & sudden spending due to shocks such as terrorism.

Public Sector Economics discusses the impact of government revenues and expenditures on economic activity, with special reference to developing countries. Howard raises theoretical and empirical issues relating to the role of the public sector in economic development.

The book is comprehensive in scope: topics include public goods, market failure, the role of government, public choice and political business cycles, public expenditure growth, structural adjustment and taxation.

In addition, the book raises issues that are neglected in traditional texts on the public sector, such as poverty alleviation, tax administration and the operation of the VAT in developing countries. The text is written in a style that is accessible to policy makers, practising economists and students interested in the role of government and the political economy of decision making.