Political Economy

This thought-provoking introduction to economics exposes readers to the workings of the market in a democratic state. The text explains basic economic concepts from a political perspective: how the price mechanism substitutes for central authority in determining production and allocation of goods; the use of demand and supply curves to trace the impacts of tariffs, taxes, subsidies, quotas and patents; and the redistribution of income. Additionally the text explores political topics from an economic perspective, including the avoidance of anarchy and despotism; and the mutual dependence of markets, voting, public administration and law.

• Relies largely on stories and paradigms to convey important economic concepts.


• Explains basic economic concepts from a political perspective and explores political topics from an economic perspective.


• Covers topics such as the price mechanism, demand and supply curves, redistribution of income, anarchy, voting and public administration.