Monetary problems are important and widely debated, but the complexity of the international monetary system and the disparate systems that make it up gives rise to many fallacies about the inner workings of these systems. When shared by those who decide economic and monetary policies, these fallacies can have damaging consequences. This book provides a rigorous and approachable analysis of these systems and consequences, providing the keys to untangling and understanding their mechanisms and influence. A clear understanding of the working of monetary systems becomes an indispensable decision-making tool when it comes to pressing questions about reform and issues of global debate such as whether a country should join (or leave) the Eurozone or attempts to cure the so-called 'balance of payments problems'. Starting from basic concepts, Pascal Salin progressively builds upon his analysis of monetary systems in a coherent and easily readable way, drawing on the most reliable theoretical contributions from research and giving examples of lessons that can be drawn from this rigorous examination of topics including devaluations, fixed and flexible exchange rates, monetary integration, monetary crises, monetary policy, and more. His clear, orderly style pares down accumulated details and theories to leave a concise and usable toolkit for analysis and action. This book makes it possible for anyone, starting from scratch, to come to a comprehensive understanding of the working of monetary systems. Students and scholars in economics as well as policy makers and practitioners will find this lucid volume an important resource and reference, as it provides intellectual instruments to evaluate the working of any monetary system.

Tax Tyranny does not aim to give a description of existing tax systems, rather it provides readers with the intellectual instruments which enable them to understand the role of taxation in the workings of economic systems and to evaluate the fairness of taxes. The book begins with a general analysis of the economic effects of taxes. It stresses that they diminish incentives to create, to work, to save or to invest. It also stresses the fact that it is not sufficient to care about the overall burden of taxation in a country, but that it is necessary to do a rigorous analysis of the details and effects of specific taxes. This work is based on rigorous economic theory, and it is a perfect resource for professors and scholars of economics, as well as journalists and politicians worldwide. The author does not use an overly technical approach however, and thus the book is readily accessible to all readers interested in the topic of taxation.

Competition and free trade are both concepts which are absolutely central for the understanding of human societies but are also often the subjects of fears and criticisms. It is argued that it is not possible to understand what competition really is without referring to the concept of freedom, and that free trade must be understood as the way to expand the scope of competition. This book uniquely analyses the two concepts as closely interlinked, by approaching them in two parts. The first, 'Competition', introduces the reader to the traditional competition model, and explores the dynamics and range of the term in an authoritative way. The second part, 'Free Trade' examines the different types of trade, and analyses them in a wealth of contexts, from customs duties to import quotas. With discussions surrounding protectionist arguments, politics, liberalization and history, the author presents an overview of how competition and free trade operate in the real world. This book dispels the fears and misunderstandings which have developed around these central pillars of the modern economy and is essential reading for those studying international economics, international trade, political economy or corporate finance.

Competition and free trade are both concepts which are absolutely central for the understanding of human societies but are also often the subjects of fears and criticisms. It is argued that it is not possible to understand what competition really is without referring to the concept of freedom, and that free trade must be understood as the way to expand the scope of competition. This book uniquely analyses the two concepts as closely interlinked, by approaching them in two parts. The first, 'Competition', introduces the reader to the traditional competition model, stresses its shortcomings, and explores the dynamics and range of the term in an authoritative way. The second part, 'Free Trade' examines the different types of trade, and analyses them in a wealth of contexts, from customs duties to import quotas. With discussions surrounding protectionist arguments, politics, liberalization and history, the author presents an overview of how competition and free trade operate in the real world. This book dispels the fears and misunderstandings which have developed around these central pillars of the modern economy and is essential reading for those studying international economics, international trade, political economy or corporate finance.

Competition, or the freedom to enter into a market, contributes greatly to the differentiation of human activities and therefore to economic progress. This fascinating book highlights the similarities between human systems at both the micro and macro level, and demonstrates how competition can positively affect the economic workings of firms and countries.Pascal Salin explores a number of issues associated with competition and human diversity, with a particular focus on the European Union. Topics addressed include globalization and regulation, tax harmonization, monetary integration and currency issues, economic and monetary policies, and financial crises. The book concludes with a thorough discussion of the underlying economic theory and the vital differences between the Austrian approach and mainstream thought. This book will appeal to scholars and students of Austrian and public choice economics.