In search of self-interest
He is self interested, materialistic, and obsessed with calculating his worth. But who is the rational economic man?
Twenty Years of Privatisation
Twenty years after it all began, the meaning of privatisation is now clearer. Privatised businesses have fared better than nationalised ones but most have not thrived in the private sector. And the plc model does not work for monopoly services.
Migration ins and outs
Our understanding of the effects of immigration is often distorted by emotive political arguments. An economic analysis uncovers some interesting questions.
Anti-capitalism books: May 2002
John surveys the latest wave of books attacking capitalism.
Taming the public sector hybrid
There is too much inconsistency in the way the UK's privatised industries are managed and financed. A new and comprehensive plan is needed.
A true and fair view of productivity
Politicians, business people and financial commentators talk about economic growth as if they were discussing objective data, like population growth, or temperature. But national income accounting is every bit as much a subjective enterprise as the private sector accounting on which it ultimately depends.
Perpetually unsettled
The seeds of Argentina’s economic downfall were sewn early in the nation’s history. The distribution of land rights caused political and economic problems that would eventually cripple the country
On John Kay’s Bookshelf – Archive page
Books that John has reviewed in the past...
A valuable lesson from fish and forests
Some economists argue that establishing clear property rights to resources is a key to economic success. But the Indonesian state’s attempt to reform ownership of the country’s forests has led to environmental catastrophe.
Choice as control
We are told that corporations are becoming ever more powerful; a match even for national economies. Before getting too concerned it is worth considering the nature of this authority.