Power fluctuations and political economy

A-Tier
Journal: Journal of Economic Theory
Year: 2011
Volume: 146
Issue: 3
Pages: 1009-1041

Score contribution per author:

1.341 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

We study (constrained) Pareto efficient allocations in a dynamic production economy where the group that holds political power decides the allocation of resources. For high discount factors, the economy converges to a first-best allocation where labor supply decisions are not distorted. For low discount factors, distortions do not disappear and fluctuate over time. Most importantly, the set of sustainable first-best allocations is larger when there is less persistence in the identity of the party in power (because this encourages political compromise). This result contradicts the common presumption that there will be fewer distortions when there is a "stable ruling group".

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:jetheo:v:146:y:2011:i:3:p:1009-1041
Journal Field
Theory
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-24