Alain Marciano Libros

Focusing on the evolution of James Buchanan's belief in individual cooperation, this book explores his influential works in public finance and public choice from the late 1940s to the 1960s. It recounts the historical development of his theory of collective action, detailing his ideas on cooperation in small groups and the pricing of public goods. The narrative highlights key encounters and challenges that shaped Buchanan's philosophical convictions, illustrating the continuity and transformation of his thought over two decades.

This volume traces the evolution of the field of law and economics from its European roots to its neoclassical “Chicagoan” period to its current identity as a more fluid, transatlantic discipline. Paying special attention to the work of German economist Juergen Backhaus, who was instrumental in the reintroduction of the European perspective to the field, this book analyzes this gradual shift in the law and economics debate and provides a state-of-the-art of the literature currently being produced by the field’s most active scholars. Beginning with a discussion of the history of the field and Backhaus’ role in its development, the volume provides a survey of issues central to the current debate such as legal processes in both Europe and the U. S., constitutional political economy, regulatory law, and the ongoing evolution of the European Union. The importance of this volume is two-fold, as it firmly grounds the discipline in history while establishing a future research agenda. This book will be of use to researchers studying law and economics as well as those interested in institutional analysis.