Scandinavian Working Papers in Economics

Working Papers in Economics,
University of Gothenburg, Department of Economics

No 212: Analyzing Economic Market Interactions as Conflicts: New Concepts to Assess Market-Based Policy Instruments

Simon A. Mason () and Adrian Muller ()
Additional contact information
Simon A. Mason: Center for Security Studies (CSS), Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology, ETH Zentrum, Postal: Zürich, WEC
Adrian Muller: Department of Economics, School of Business, Economics and Law, Göteborg University, Postal: Box 640, SE 405 30 GÖTEBORG

Abstract: Complementing market-based policy instruments with conflict analysis approaches provides a wider understanding of market situations and allows to identify minimal requirements regarding needs, power and conflict dynamics. If these are not met, a market cannot be successfully introduced or a liberalization process implemented. Conflict analysis offers a language better suited to the concerns of people negatively affected by new markets. Applying this language helps to counterbalance the predominance of economic concepts. This fosters mutual understanding and enhances the prospect for successful implementation of market-based policies. We illustrate the potential of conflict analysis with examples from water privatization and labeling.

Keywords: market interactions; liberalization; privatization; labeling; conflict analysis; needs

JEL-codes: D02; D74; H00; L13; L43; L50

18 pages, August 31, 2006

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