Skip to main content

Government Failure

  • Chapter
  • 191 Accesses

Abstract

It is in the nature of modern debates about the role (and extent) of government intervention that the contending extremes (laissez faire versus socialist — though in unhelpful confusion we now have laissez faire socialists and anarchists from the left and laissez faire libertarian neo-conservatives from the right!) treat any leaning to one side or the other as an endorsement or vilification of their ideas. Therefore it is not sensible to leave aside Smith’s recognition of the manifest failures of government and its agencies to perform the roles they assumed in the 18th century.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Buying options

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD   109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Copyright information

© 2005 Gavin Kennedy

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Kennedy, G. (2005). Government Failure. In: Adam Smith’s Lost Legacy. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230511194_56

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics