A leading expert on economic policy makes the convincing case for the foundation, coordination and reach of government action through economic policy. Presenting justifications for government intervention in coping with market failures, Acocella applies the theory of economic policy to current global issues.

A leading expert on economic policy makes the convincing case for the foundation, coordination and reach of government action through economic policy.

Advance praise: 'This book gives a clear discussion of the history and future of the discipline of economic policy, presenting a large amount of literature in a way which is accessible. It gives indispensable accounts of the history of the discipline of economic policy across different countries and its relation to national traditions in economics and (theoretical and practical) politics. The author makes you think over the related issues and question your own presuppositions, which is a major characteristic trait of a good scientific book. Considering recent economic problems, which are partly the long-term consequences of the financial crisis, alongside the results of other policy failures, it is of utmost importance to provide serious material about economic policy, and this is just what this text does.' Reinhard Neck, Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt, Austria