Policies, Institutions and the Dark Side of Economics

Vito Tanzi, Honorary President, International Institute of Public Finance, Munich, Germany

• Contents: Preface 1. Toward a Positive Theory of Public Sector Behavior: An Interpretation of Some Italian Contributions 2. The Changing Role of the State in the Economy: A Historical Perspective 3. Government Role and the Efficiency of Policy Instruments 4. Fundamental Determinants of Inequality and the Role of Government 5. Modernization, Ethics and Public Policy 6. Corruption, Governmental Activities and Markets 7. Corruption Around the World 8. Corruption and the Budget: Problems and Solutions 9. Corruption, Public Investment and Growth 10. A Primer on Tax Evasion 11. Money Laundering and the International Financial System 12. The Underground Economy and the Unemployment Rate 13. International Dimensions of National Tax Policy 14. Fiscal Federalism and Decentralization: A Review of Some Efficiency and Macroeconomic Aspects 15. The Budget Deficit in Transition: A Cautionary Note Index

'Policies, Institutions and the Dark Side of Economics is very readable, very informative, and very well-organized. It is a road map for the area around "the dark side of economics". Tanzi's book deals with remarkably fruitful ideas and demonstrates impressively the relevance of institutions and personal incentives.'