Summary of The Antitrust Paradox

"The Antitrust Paradox" is a book written by Robert Bork that challenges the traditional goals and methods of antitrust policy in the United States. Bork argues that the primary goal of antitrust law should be promoting consumer welfare through the promotion of economic efficiency, rather than protecting competitors or ensuring a competitive market structure. He also argues that the focus on protecting competitors can actually harm consumers by reducing incentives for innovation and investment. Bork also criticizes the use of per se rules and the reliance on market share as indicators of market power, arguing that these approaches can lead to inefficient outcomes. Instead, he advocates for a more economics-focused approach to antitrust analysis, where the effects of potential anticompetitive practices on consumer welfare are carefully considered. Overall, "The Antitrust Paradox" presents a provocative and influential argument for a more restrained and economically grounded approach to antitrust law.