Government and Business : American Political Economy in Comparative Perspective

In the wake of worldwide economic turmoil and efforts toward recovery, understanding the interdependence of government and business is more important than ever. In this thoroughly updated edition, Lehne takes a comparative approach, evaluating the U.S. political economy with respect to those of Great Britain, Germany, Japan, and the EU. The book provides detailed historical context for, and a conceptual understanding of, the business-government environment, and then clarifies the roles of the major actors and outlines the regulatory and policy frameworks. Along the way, Lehne probes some of the most crucial dilemmas facing government and business today. Updates to this edition include:• expanded coverage of ethics as it relates to government and business;• greater attention to China in particular in the feature boxes on developing nations; and• a look at relations between government and business at the subnational level. A comprehensive glossary and chapter summaries enhance student learning. In the wake of worldwide economic turmoil and efforts toward recovery, understanding the interdependence of government and business is more important than ever. In this thoroughly updated edition, Lehne takes a comparative approach, evaluating the U.S. political economy with respect to those of Great Britain, Germany, Japan, and the EU. The book provides detailed historical context for, and a conceptual understanding of, the business-government environment, and then clarifies the roles of the major actors and outlines the regulatory and policy frameworks. Along the way, Lehne probes some of the most crucial dilemmas facing government and business today. Updates to this edition include:• expanded coverage of ethics as it relates to government and business;• greater attention to China in particular in the feature boxes on developing nations; and• a look at relations between government and business at the subnational level. A comprehensive glossary and chapter summaries enhance student learning. Cover Contents Tables, Figures, and Boxes Preface Acknowledgments Part I - Environment for Government-Business Relations Chapter 1 - Origins of Government and Business Chapter 2 - Creating Government-Business Relations Chapter 3 - The Stakes in Government Systems Chapter 4 - Corporate Governance and Public Responsibility Chapter 5 - Globalization of Business Activity Part II - Corporate Activities in the Political Arena Chapter 6 - The Advocacy Environment: Public Opinion, Unions, and Groups Chapter 7 - Corporations and Business Associations in the Political Arena Chapter 8 - Lobbying Connections Chapetr 9 - Why Does Business Win and Lose in Politics? Part III - Government Policies and Business Chapter 10 - Business and Economic Policy Chapter 11 - Regulatory Policy Chapter 12 - Antitrust and Competition Policy in the New Economy Chapter 13 - Industrial Policy and High-Tech Industries Chapter 14 - Global Trade Policies Chapter 15 - Business as Social Actor Glossary Index Richard Lehne offers a comprehensive overview of government-business relations, comparing institutions and practices in the United States with those in the European Union and other major industrial nations. He argues that present-day policies defining arrangements between government and business are not inevitable but result from the societal judgments of various eras. Recognizing diverse traditions and previous policy decisions helps guide the process of reform and renewal that nations throughout the world are now experiencing. Using a comparative approach to explore the U.S. political economy, this fully updated third edition provides readers with a comprehensive study of this important and timely area. New features of this edition include expanded coverage of ethics and a greater focus on China.