Rethinking Public Choice

Rethinking Economics series

Richard E. Wagner, Emeritus Professor of Economics, George Mason University, US

Innovative in its approach, Rethinking Public Choice reviews the concept of public choice since the 1950s post-war period and the application of economics to political practices and institutions, as well as its evolution in recent years attracting contributions from political science and philosophy.

‘Richard E. Wagner adds insight to public choice theory by depicting the complex relationships among political and economic actors that social scientists often overlook. Wagner’s approach to public choice will lead readers to a more realistic and complete understanding of the nature of political processes.’
– Randall Holcombe, Florida State University, US

‘Rethinking Public Choice is an elegantly written book of thoughtful and deep insights that present a powerful vision of economics as a social science. Wagner's modern framework of entangled political economy unifies public choice theory, constitutional economics, political economy and evolutionary economics. This is the perfect companion for students of public choice.’
– Jason Potts, RMIT University, Australia

‘Critics of Public Choice often attack absurdly simplified, “straw man” versions of the approach. Wagner offers an important and timely corrective, giving the intellectual (and, importantly, MORAL) foundations of public choice and its offspring, “entangled” political economy. This fascinating book is an essential overview of where public choice came from, and where it might go next.’
– Michael Munger, Duke University, US