ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book presents a strong and compelling case for the positive impact of economic freedom on growth and highlights the importance of constitutionally guaranteeing such economic freedom. It provides an examination of collective action in non-democratic societies and examines those institutions that structure the government in the absence of democracy. The book explains the role of the Liberal Democratic Party in Japan’s post-World War II economic growth and development and also presents an examination of political business cycles. It reviews the literature on political business cycles (PBCs) and shows the relevance of PBCs in developing countries. The book also provides a thorough review of the literature on the economics of bureaucracy and also highlights the importance of ethnicity in the determination of ‘optimal’ units of collective choice.
