Discussion 1

Economists generally agree that U.S. antitrust policy is complex, changing over time, divided among several U.S. federal government agencies, and subject to frequent court reversals. The underlying question remains whether the U.S. needs more or less regulation of market structures.

Key questions are:

• Are U.S. markets becoming less competitive because of mergers and acquisitions?
• Are U.S. markets becoming more competitive because of new technology?
• Are U.S. markets becoming more or less competitive because of globalization?
• Is enough information available for wise antitrust enforcement?

US Federal agencies involved in antitrust include US Federal Trade Commission at: http://www.ftc.gov

US Department of Justice: http://www.usdoj.gov/atr/index.htm

For international perspectives see:

http://www.usdoj.gov/atr/contact/otheratr.htm

For analysis:

For a strong anti-regulatory position see Heritage Foundation, a private advocacy group, has been influential in arguing against antitrust enforcement. For an overview see: http://www.heritage.org/search?query=antitrust+enforcement

See also: www.cato.org

The American Enterprise Institute: http://www.aei.org

For strong pro-regulatory position see the Economic Policy Institute, a private advocacy group, argues for more antitrust enforcement:

http://www.epi.org/

The Brookings Institution attempts a non-partisan position and publishes frequent overviews of antitrust law. See, for example: http://www.brookings.edu/search?start=1&q=antitrust

Discussion 2

Global poverty is an international issue. Other countries are inclined to look to the U.S. with its great wealth to take an active role in assisting poor nations. People here spend money trying to counter baldness while people in other countries are starving to death. On the other hand, foreign aid may be distributed as political favors rather than going to those most in need. Present both sides of the argument on whether the U.S. should work to achieve the Millennium Aid goal for contributions to increase the U.S. contribution to 0.7% of its GDP. For each side of the argument, provide three facts to support the argument. Use at least three of the following concepts in your response:

• Extreme poverty
• Severe poverty
• Persistent poverty
• Economic growth
• Human Capital

Discussion 3

Manufacturers in the US want China to increase the value of the yuan. They say China undervalues their currency making their products cheap, thus undercutting American business. Some believe that this is why Americans are losing jobs. Wal-Mart and other companies believe it is a good thing because it keeps prices low for the products they sells. Discuss whether low yuan value is good for the US because of low prices or if it is costing too many Americans their jobs. You will want to do some research on the subject of currency manipulation for additional information to debate this topic.