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Optimal domestic redistribution and multinational monopoly

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  • Jonathan H. Hamilton
  • Steven M. Slutsky

Abstract

Having a monopoly that is not owned domestically affects a country's income redistribution policies. Assume the government uses lump‐sum taxes to redistribute but cannot regulate the monopolist's price. In many relevant circumstances, a social planner would not equate social marginal utilities of income across individuals. Thus, using aggregate welfare functions as the preferences of a single representative consumer is valid only under restrictive circumstances. The monopolist always prefers to set price before the social planner chooses transfers, while the social planner may not have a first‐mover advantage. Under endogenous timing of their decisions, the government never moves before the monopolist.

Suggested Citation

  • Jonathan H. Hamilton & Steven M. Slutsky, 2021. "Optimal domestic redistribution and multinational monopoly," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 59(3), pages 1031-1046, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:ecinqu:v:59:y:2021:i:3:p:1031-1046
    DOI: 10.1111/ecin.12990
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    References listed on IDEAS

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