Deregulation and antitrust policies: theory and practice

Abstract

Deregulation and antitrust enforcement revival are two recent tendencies in developed
and third world countries as well. At first sight, they seem inconsistent as deregulation
stresses the free market organization, while antitrust policy limits private business strategies.
This paper discusses the economic reasons for regulation and antitrust enforcement
and the relationship between industrial and antitrust policies. Some historical examples are
brought to the discussion, including the Brazilian experience.

JEL Classification: K21; L44.