Join getAbstract to access the summary!

Antitrust's Unconventional Politics

Join getAbstract to access the summary!

Antitrust's Unconventional Politics

University of Michigan Law School Scholarship R...,

5 min read
5 take-aways
Audio & text

What's inside?

Members of both US political parties call for antitrust reform, but different motives drive them.

auto-generated audio
auto-generated audio

Editorial Rating

7

Qualities

  • Analytical
  • Eye Opening
  • Background

Recommendation

With the emergence of technology giants such as Facebook and Google, concern grows that such companies may be abusing their prominent market positions. If so, should government invoke antimonopoly laws on these behemoths? Professor Daniel A. Crane delves into the historical basis of US antitrust law and provides perspective on why no clear left–right ideological divide exists when it comes to antitrust matters. Crane’s insightful and scholarly work merits the attention of policy makers, lawyers and executives.

Summary

US antitrust law is in a state of flux, with both the political left and right calling for reform. Democrats demand that antitrust regulation expand to encompass issues like “employment, wealth inequality, data privacy and security, and democratic values.” President Donald Trump, a Republican, has criticized the consolidation of media platforms, and many conservatives are calling for the use of antitrust provisions to curtail the power of technology companies. All this contrasts with the popular perception that conservatives abhor antitrust rules and liberals welcome them. Three tensions relating to antitrust thinking provide insights into what appear...

About the Author

Daniel A. Crane is a professor at the University of Michigan Law School.


Comment on this summary