Advanced Introduction to Public Finance: (Elgar Advanced Introductions series)

The public finance branch of economics has seen a great deal of change in prevailing attitudes regarding the role of the market and the role of government in countries with democratic institutions and market economies. Different functions have been added, over the past century, and especially after World War II, to the role that the government should play. The laissez faire ideology of the past, that minimized the government role, was progressively abandoned until the last two decades of the 20th century, when there was an attempt to reduce the ambitious role that the government had assumed, and to give a growing role back to the market. This book explains how changes in both the market and the government have made public finance a more challenging, interesting and at times frustrating branch of economics. It provides a cosmopolitan perspective and details the part that historical developments have played in shaping modern views. The author explores the real life, practical nature of public finance and de-emphasizes the role of armchair theorizing by focusing on real issues that are seen from a community rather than an individualistic perspective. The Advanced Introduction to Public Finance offers a fresh look at the field for students, researchers and policymakers in economics, public administration, taxation, policy and economic history.

Table of Contents:
Contents: Preface Part One: Public Finance Objectives 1. Introduction 2. Why Public Finance? 3. What kind of state is in power? Part Two: Public Finance Instruments and Techniques 4. Government Tools 5. Guiding Tax Principles 6. The Development of Modern Tax Systems 7. Tax Choices and Tax Techniques 8. From Laissez faire To Welfare States 9. On the Growing Use of Regulations 10. Fiscal Deficits and Public Debt 11. Public Spending 12. Fiscal Federalism 13. Concluding Remarks Bibliography Index

About the Author :
Vito Tanzi, Honorary President, International Institute of Public Finance, Munich, Germany

Review :
‘The book is successful in presenting the advanced introduction to public finance to all diversified readers in a lucid way because the book focuses on ideas rather than techniques throughout. The author must be congratulated and thanked for this important contribution and Edward Elgar for publishing this book for the benefit of global readers.’ 'This wonderful book takes the reader through the intricacies of public finance with a simple and yet comprehensive approach. It explains institutional and historical aspects of government intervention in the economy, and it clarifies fundamental concepts in public economics. It reflects the deep knowledge of a leading economist who spent his life studying fiscal policy and advising governments throughout the world.' --Guido Tabellini, Bocconi University, Italy