Cambridge University Press Inside Job: How Government Insiders Subvert the Public Interest

National decline is typically blamed on special interests from the demand side of politics corrupting a country's institutions. The usual demand-side suspects include crony capitalists, consumer activists, economic elites, and labor unions. Less attention is given to government insiders on the supply side of politics - rulers, elected officials, bureaucrats, and public employees. In autocracies and democracies, government insiders have the motive, means, and opportunity to co-opt political power for their benefit and at the expense of national well-being. Many storied empires have succumbed to such inside jobs. Today, they imperil countries as different as China and the United States. Democracy - government by the people - does not ensure government for the people. Understanding how government insiders use their power to subvert the public interest - and how these negative consequences can be mitigated - is the topic of this book by Mark A. Zupan. Review 'In the tradition of Parkinson's Law, this fascinating and novel contribution to political theory examines in horrifying but eloquent detail just how vulnerable government is, not just to demand-side capture by special interests, but to supply-side take-over by insiders operating for their own benefit and at the expense of the public good.' Vicount Matthew Ridley, Journalist, Member of the House of Lords and author of The Evolution of Everything'Mark A. Zupan brings an economist's perspective and wit along with sharp scholar's eyes to political economy issues of great contemporary import. I found answers in this book to many of my long-held and vexing questions about the functioning of our government. This book is a must read for anyone wanting to understand why and how Washington and, for that matter, all levels of government, do and do not work.' Ira Solomon, Dean, A. B. Freeman School of Business, Tulane University, New Orleans'In a world of public sector unions, Clinton Foundations, Berlusconis and the like, Mark A. Zupan illustrates how government insiders have reduced economic freedom and contributed greatly to the secular stagnation in developed countries. Economists, policymakers, the media and voters would do well to take Inside Job seriously before it is too late to reverse.' Steven N. Kaplan, University of Chicago'With remarkable clarity and wisdom Mark A. Zupan explains to us how government rent-seeking works in practice today. This book is a treasure of breath-taking information and fundamental insights into the workings of modern as well as historic governments.' Hans-Werner Sinn, President Emeritus of Ifo Institute, University of Munich and author of The Euro Trap'In this deeply insightful investigation of public sector integrity, Mark A. Zupan not only chronicles the corrosive effect that government corruption has upon the national well-being, but also explores the manner by which the ruling elite seek to retain power by monopolizing the supply side of policymaking. This ground-breaking work should serve as a wake-up call for those entrusted with governing responsibility. Mark A. Zupan's Inside Job is required reading for all who seek to seriously explore the issue of public sector integrity - as well as those who wish to better understand the potential consequences when a ruling elite fails to administer 'government for the people.' Michael P. Ryan, Chief Investment Strategist, Wealth Management Americas, Union Bank of Switzerland'In this insightful and illuminating book, Mark A. Zupan lays bare the sources of corruption that have brought down governments through the ages and which now threaten the success of the American experiment in limited government. Inside Job is that rare book that tells us not only what is happening but why it is happening. This book is a must read for anyone seeking to understand the inside forces that are impeding progress and prosperity while profiting from our national malaise.' James Piereson, Pr