The Captured Economy

In The Captured Economy, authors Brink Lindsey and Steven M. Teles explore the troubling intersection of stagnant economic growth and rising inequality in America. They argue that breakdowns in democratic governance have allowed wealthy special interests to manipulate policymaking, leading to regressive regulations that stifle competition and inflate the incomes of the powerful. Through detailed case studies, they examine the impact of policies like financial sector subsidies and restrictive occupational licensing on wealth distribution and innovation. While acknowledging the challenges of reform, Lindsey and Teles propose strategies aimed at improving democratic processes and addressing these economic issues.