The choice of whether to recommend a market solution or a government intervention to address an economic or social problem is the eternal issue of public policy analysis. In this book, Clifford Winston examines the extensiveness and persistence of government failures in the US economy and the potential for market corrections to address those failures. Winston provides contemporary empirical evidence that strongly questions the effectiveness of government interventions, and he explores whether markets can self-correct to solve economic and social problems more efficiently.

Government failures are defined and categorized, and the extensive evidence on government failures is synthesized and assessed. Theoretical explanations of government failure are evaluated and found to lack the ability to guide efficient policy reforms. Finally, empirical evidence is presented to show that, in contrast to government failures, markets have often corrected their failures.

Winston concludes that when policymakers or academics are considering the efficacy of a market solution or a government intervention to address an economic or social problem, they should be more cognizant of the potential for persistent government failure and should account for markets’ ability to self-correct. Thus, Winston envisions a new perspective where market corrections, not government interventions, offer a path for improving the US economy.

Clifford Winston is a senior fellow in the economic studies program at the Brookings Institution. He is the author or editor of several books, including Reforming Occupational Licensing in the US.

“A timely book particularly ideal for those who think that smart people can devise policies to solve society’s problems. Instead, as Winston documents, the evidence shows that such policy interventions often make matters worse.  The book emphasizes the limitations of government intervention and the underappreciated ability of markets to adapt and correct what would be classified as market failures. It is must reading for all economists and policy makers.” (Dennis W. Carlton, David McDaniel Keller Professor of Economics, Emeritus, Booth School of Business, University of Chicago)

“There is a paucity of good books about market economics these days. Cliff Winston has produced a fine one and cemented his reputation as one of America's best policy economists.” (Tyler Cowen, Chairman, Mercatus Center and Holbert L. Harris Chair of Economics, George Mason University; cocreator of Marginal Revolution; and author of “Big Business”)

“This is an extraordinary, evidenced-based exposé of the market's innovative power to creatively destroy market failures, including those engineered and entrenched by both 'regulators' and 'reformists.' This is surely the most important government policy book yet written.” (Laurence Kotlikoff, William Warren Fairfield Professor of Economics, Boston University)

“Clifford Winston presents a bold and compelling study for why market corrections often succeed where government interventions fail. With clear analysis and strong empirical backing, this book challenges conventional economic thinking and provides a fresh perspective on how economies self-correct. A must-read for anyone interested in economic policy and governance.” (Magdalena Mosionek-Schweda, Associate Professor, Faculty of Economics and Sociology, University of Lodz)

“Today, many policymakers and pundits across the political spectrum see aggressive government intervention as the default approach to economic policy. In this book, Clifford Winston critically assesses that view, drawing on economic theory, case studies, and statistical analyses to make a compelling case for greater reliance on market forces. This thought-provoking book merits serious attention from students, scholars, policymakers, and informed citizens alike.” (Harvey S. Rosen, John L. Weinberg Professor of Economics and Business Policy Emeritus, Princeton University)