Antitrust and Democracy: How Markets Protect Democracy, Democracy Protects Markets, and Illiberal Politics Threatens to Hijack Both

Abstract

This article explains the strong connection between markets and democracy through the window of antitrust law. It elaborates on the links by highlighting moments and examples of symbiosis in the United States, in the European Union, and in transitional and developing countries.Observing the rising tide of illiberal government action that threatens the core of democracy, the article argues for a heightened awareness of the importance of markets and the economic law (antitrust) that protects them and the people from misuses of power.