Self-interest and public interest: The motivations of political actors

Critical Review: A Journal of Politics and Society 23 (3):339-357 (2011)
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Abstract

ABSTRACT Self-Interest and Public Interest in Western Politics showed that the public, politicians, and bureaucrats are often public spirited. But this does not invalidate public-choice theory. Public-choice theory is an ideal type, not a claim that self-interest explains all political behavior. Instead, public-choice theory is useful in creating rules and institutions that guard against the worst case, which would be universal self-interestedness in politics. In contrast, the public-interest hypothesis is neither a comprehensive explanation of political behavior nor a sound basis for institutional design.

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Michael Munger
Duke University

Citations of this work

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Cooperation for the Common Good: Reply to the Symposium.Leif Lewin - 2011 - Critical Review: A Journal of Politics and Society 23 (3):359-370.
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